SOUTH AFRICAN CHILD AND FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES: CHANGING TIMES OR BUSINESS AS USUAL?

Abstract

South African welfare policy is influenced by global economic trends and has some indicators of neoliberal policy implementation. This paper discusses the indicators of neoliberalism before exploring the implications for child and family welfare services in post-apartheid South Africa, in relation to three key themes: the financing of welfare, structures and organisations, and the managing of clients. It is argued that the influence of neoliberalism has changed the way that child and welfare services are managed and services delivered, and that these influences should be debated within the profession and with civil society.