Abstract South Africa's international legal commitments, constitution and existing legislative framework place specific responsibilities upon the state to provide for the basic needs of children, in terms of health care, nutrition, shelter and social services, as well as access to social assistance. South Africa's current system of social assistance makes a major contribution to the welfare of vulnerable children and their families. Yet there are currently many children in South Africa who are falling through the gaps in the social security system, in part because of problems of uptake, targeting and administration, whilst the extent of poverty and unemployment undermine the benefits of the existing grants. What is needed is a comprehensive package of social protection for families and children, to meet children's basic survival needs, to ensure that they develop to their potential and participate fully in society, and to facilitate the attainment of their rights.