The department contributes toward achievement of this Goal through the Welfare Services Policy Development and Implementation programme and the Social Assistance programme. The objective of the Welfare Services Policy Development and Implementation programme is to provide Early Childhood Development (ECD) services and provide income support to vulnerable groups. In 2012, 114 705 (14% more) children gained access to ECD services, bringing to 904 129 the total number of children benefitting from ECD services. In addition, under the Social Relief of Distress, the department has a special dispensation permitting children from poor families to purchase school uniforms.