The aim of this paper is to profile the South African family, showing how patterns of family formation and family life have evolved and changed over the last few decades. The paper focuses on vulnerable families and children and the challenges that impact on their ability to function as a well-functioning unit. Legislation and policies that promote, support and strengthen the well-being of families include inter alia the draft National Family Policy, the Population Policy and the Children’s Act. Population concerns pertaining to families include the high incidence and severity of poverty; inequities in access to resources, infrastructure and social services; the high rates of infant, child and maternal mortality; the rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV and AIDS; gender inequalities and the unstable family and community life.