A46
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be limited to some degree by the forecast shortage
of professional social workers. The front-line
work in primary schools was therefore being carried
out, on an experimental basis, by Student Guidance
Officers (who were teachers who had received training
in counselling, guidance and social work techniques)
although pupils with serious social problems would
be referred to professional social workers. These
Student Guidance Officers would also be supported
by educational psychologists and educational counsellors.
If the scheme was found successful, it would be extended
to all primary schools by the end of 1980. School social
work in secondary schools would be carried out by professional
social workers and was expected to cover all secondary
schools by the end of 1981.
(v) The role of young people within the family would be one
of the main themes of Family Life Education, the general
aim of which was to preserve and strengthen the family
as a unit. This broader approach had proved to be an
effective means of reaching a large population and the
government intended, in conjunction with the voluntary
sector, to provide a comprehensive Family Life Education.
programme in Hong Kong by 1982. The Social Welfare
Department would be responsible for the overall direction
and coordination of Family Life Education services and
for organizing major programmes and publicity campaigns
on a territory-wide basis. This would be achieved by
making staff in each district office specifically
responsible for Family Life Education in close co-
ordination with the voluntary sector. At the district
level, Family Life Education services would be provided