Chair, the fact that this substantially increased budget is positioned to improve social assistance and welfare services is encouraging for the ACDP. We also welcome the allocation for social work bursaries.
The ACDP is relieved that the child support grant for 15-year-olds will take effect this year and extend to 18-year-olds. The present lack of child support for 15 to 18-year-olds has resulted in children, in significant numbers, resorting to prostitution, which they see as their only hope of survival. This is tragic. The ACDP appeals to the Minister to urgently deliver on these extended grants.
While the increased budget for welfare services to improve protection for vulnerable groups looks promising, there are serious problems in provinces where budget allocation is totally inadequate for the implementation of the Children's Act, especially in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. Not even 50% of what is required has been allocated. This will cost us dearly in the long run as we are failing children in the most disturbing circumstances.
The steep decline in the number of people who have applied to adopt children and to offer themselves as foster parents is a growing concern, especially as child abandonment and neglect has increased. The ACDP appeals to the department to prioritise more effective efforts to encourage a culture of adoption. The ACDP recognises the enormous challenges. We will, however, support this Vote. To invest in our future, we must invest in our children. Thank you.