The number of children in foster care this year has risen by more than 75 000 and the number of foster families by nearly 50 000, the Department of Social Development said on Thursday.
Minister of Social Development Zola Skweyiya said more than 375 647 children were in 239 553 foster families — a rise from 299 465 children in 189 680 families last year.
In a statement, he attributed this to a campaign to remove blockages in foster care placements, greater levels of public awareness and improved service delivery.
Skweyiya called upon South African families to open their hearts and homes to orphans and vulnerable children ahead of Saturday’s national Children’s Day.
This year, 1 500 children have been adopted locally and 155 in inter-country adoptions.
High levels of poverty, unemployment, family breakdowns and an increase in HIV/Aids had led to more orphans. This had strained government’s resources to provide effective foster care services, he said.
”There are still scores of children in orphanages, and we urge families and eligible individuals to open their hearts and homes to them, and give them a chance in life.”
The country also had a shortage of social workers.
South Africa celebrates Children’s Day on the first Saturday each November. International Children’s Day is usually celebrated on June 1 and the United Nations observes November 20 as Universal Children’s Day.
In South Korea and Japan, Children’s Day falls in May and is a national public holiday, which families usually spend together on children-orientated activities. — Sapa