Chairperson, hon Minister, from studies conducted in many parts of the world, stable and emotionally supportive family life has been found to be associated with such positive outcomes as higher rates of school attendance; better school performance; higher levels of self-esteem, self-confidence and future orientation among children and youth; a reduction in behavioural problems among youth, including aggression, substance abuse and crime; higher levels of work productivity; lower levels of stress and stress-related illnesses, resulting in lower levels of work absenteeism, substance abuse and health-care costs and a greater capacity to deal with hardships and crises, which has particular relevance for coping capacity in resource-poor environments; greater longevity and better quality of life among older persons; and increased responsibility for the care of sick and disabled family members.
From an economic perspective, expenditure on the implementation of policies to support families is an investment and not a cost to society. These observations are the result of research commissioned by the department in 2004, which supports the need for a National Policy Framework for families. Hon Minister, what has happened to this policy framework? We are six years down the road and worse off for not having followed through with this process. Has it been budgeted for in this financial year?
Organisations working with children have welcomed the Child Protection Bill and the Child Justice Act, but remain concerned that this department does not have the capacity to implement them.
The budget does not support the department's promises to prioritise welfare services such as the capacity building of social service professionals and addressing the needs of vulnerable members of society, children, older persons, victims of violence and people with disabilities.
The budget also places social-work scholarships in jeopardy. This initiative cannot afford to be disrupted; in fact, it should be expanded. Chronic shortages of social work professionals undermine every aspect of social services.
Child welfare organisations have reported an increase in evidence of the misuse of grants. They say many children remain neglected even though their parents receive a child grant. They believe that schools and teachers who are in day-to-day contact with children must be brought on board. If a child does not fare well and is neglected in any way, they should report it in the knowledge that the department will follow up. At the same time child report lines like Childline need more exposure to sensitise communities to report abuse and fraud.
We note the decrease in the budget allocation of the community development programme. We hope this reduction will not impede efforts to mobilise communities to organise childcare over the World Cup holidays.
Child welfare agencies say that for many, school is a safety net from abuse and provides possibly the only meal a child gets in a day. They will be without this protection and provision for a longer period in these holidays and, while there is heightened awareness of trafficking, these agencies believe that there is even more likelihood that uncared-for children will be abused by people within their own communities. The ACDP supports this budget. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]