The basic instrument of planning will remain the 5-year Social Welfare Development Plan. The administrative capacity of the Social Welfare Department will be greatly strengthened after the department decentralises its services into regions in 1979.
27
One of the major constraints over the next few years is likely to be the shortage of trained social workers. A recent review of the welfare class in the Social Welfare Department has enabled proposals to be made for a more economical use of trained manpower, e. g. by the use of in-service trained staff in social security work, where professional social work expertise is not essential. Negotia- tions are in hand with the training institutes for expanding their Social Work Departments. In-service training will also be given high priority in view of the identified need for trained staff who are not university trained social work graduates.
Financing
28
The Government has ultimate responsibility for ensuring a satisfactory standard and range of social welfare services. Its role in this field is basically three-fold: to direct and co-ordinate the development of social welfare services; to provide an adequate social security system and certain social welfare services direct, particularly those required by law; and to ensure that funds are available for those welfare services which the community needs.
29
The voluntary sector has long been involved in providing social welfare services in Hong Kong. Such services are a valuable complement to the Government's efforts. It is felt that there remains an important role for a vigorous, progressive and responsible voluntary sector working in close co-operation with the Government. However, the ambitious expansion planned in various programmes makes it necessary to delineate more clearly the division of responsibility between the Government and the voluntary sector to ensure that the targets will be met in the most effective manner. Such an examination is underway and recommendations are expected early in 1979 for discussion with the voluntary sector.
30
Social welfare services provided by the voluntary sector are financed largely by Government through subventions, although the Community Chest, the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, private donations and charitable trust funds also help. Subventions have increased by about 300% from $25.2 million in 1973/74 to $100 million in 1978/79. Many voluntary agencies are now dependent on the
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