Outlining the transformation of the discriminatory welfare system under apartheid, this South African study explains the progressive and developmental social welfare system that has emerged in the post-apartheid era. It provides an overview of the context of policy reform at the time of South Africa's transition to democracy.

The context: Poverty, inequality and the situation of children and families in south africa; engaging in policy reform at the time of transition; from apartheid welfare to developmental social welfare; social assistance and the state maintenance grant. The committee: Status; composition; mandate; orientation; method of work. Policy alternatives: Reform of the private parental maintenance system; increase in support for mainstream social welfare services; support for the emerging development; social welfare model - the flagship programme for unemployed women with children 0 -- 5; support for nutritional programmes for young children; support for early childhood development programmes; support for social funds; a new cash transfer. The child support grant: design; implementation; performance. Compromises and controversies: The phasing out of the state maintenance grant; a universal benefit or a means tested grant; accepting a 'fiscal constraint'; the participation of civil society in policy reform. The road from policy to practice: The implementation task team; piloting new reforms; communicating about new reforms; accounting for the passage of the reforms; looking back.