The Children’s Act (No 38 of 2005 commencement date 1 July 2007) and the Children’s Amendment Act (No 41 of 2007, commencement date 1 April 2010) brings South African child care and protection laws in line with the Bill of Rights and international law. The purpose of both Acts is to give effect to children’s rights to:

• Family care, parental care or appropriate alternative care
• Social services
• Be protected from abuse

There are three different state social grants for children below the age of 18 years: Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant and Care Dependency Grant.