Chairperson, hon Minister, it is the understanding of the ACDP that the implementation of the Children's Act requires at least 40 000 social workers on the ground, and we currently have about one quarter of this number.
Recent efforts to address the shortage of social workers in South Africa sadly seem to be falling short as well. Students say that the Gauteng Department of Social Development gave bursaries to people to be trained as social auxiliary workers but failed to provide basic resources like chairs, desks, paper and computers. One student said:
What can motivate someone to work in a profession that does not have money? The working conditions of social workers do not motivate someone to stay in the profession. I have changed my course to one that can give me professional growth. It is unfair for social workers to spend four years in university and after that the government does not take the profession seriously.
These are not my words, hon Minister, but those of a student who has turned away from this honourable profession. Does this budget target this crucial aspect of the work that needs to be done? Budget constraints are always going to be a reality, but the safety and wellbeing of South African children cannot be compromised.
The ACDP applauds government's efforts to focus more effectively on partnering with the church and NGO sector. We must ensure funds are allocated for credible organisations with proven track records to access relevant training and funding in order to effectively implement the provisions of the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005, which came to effect on 1 April 2010. The big question is, how is the department going to ensure that money allocated for implementation of the Children's Act does not get swallowed up in the provinces and cut off children at risk, in need, and in crisis? Community workers are crying out for more trained people with counselling skills and problem solving abilities to help in communities. There is also a need for social workers to be available in the community on certain days and at specific times, for offices in villages, where people can access information regarding government departments like Social Development, Health, Basic Education and Human Settlements.
Community workers encounter endless pathologies with children. They say if they could be assessed by an intern or registered psychologist at an early stage to identify problems, intervention could take place for corrective therapy. They are calling for funds to enable trustworthy NGOs to provide this service.
Another community request is that requirements for early childhood development centres, ECD centres, should be more flexible as they are disadvantaging communities, especially regarding designated parking bays. The ACDP calls on the Minister to look into this. The ACDP is concerned that, except for ECD and Isibindi programmes, very little budget seems to have been allocated for services.
The significant increase for Foster Care Grants is noted. However, while we endorse grants where there is a real need, it is a waste and even counter- productive for resources to be spent without assessment and at least a basic training for fosterers. Credible reports indicate that this is not being done. Lastly, experts say that every effort should be made to allow children to grow up in contact and good relationship with both parents to foster balance and well-adjusted adults. The ACDP is aware that more and more concerns are being raised about the obstacle faced by fathers who want to maintain contact and good relationships with their children. Thank you vey much. [Time expired.]