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SOCIAL WELFARE
In 1976 a major review was undertaken to see what changes might be necessary in order to make sure that the social welfare programme provides a complete safety net for all vunerable groups in the community. From this review it is planned to produce a more comprehensive programme by the end of 1977 and, subject to the approval of the Legislative Council, to put it into effect in 1978.
Research and Evaluation
For planning purposes, several studies were conducted during the year by the Social Welfare Department's research and evaluation unit on the likely demand for certain types of services. They investigated potential demand for disability and in- firmity allowances, the number of students in Hong Kong and the extent to which they might be expected to make use of study rooms in congested areas, the housing needs of the elderly, and several other fields of potential need.
In the voluntary sector, some preliminary consideration was given to the pos- sibility of computerising basic data on welfare services and standardising the classifica- tion of service programmes both for greater efficiency and ease of reference.
Community Advice Bureau
Advice and help for newcomers to Hong Kong is offered by the Community Advice Bureau, a voluntary body which tailors its services to meet the particular needs of English-speaking new arrivals. These include a large number_of Indians, Pakistanis and other nationalities as well as British, Australians, New Zealanders and Americans.
The bureau was set up in late 1974 and it now operates five days a week through- out the year from an office near St John's Cathedral. It provides a wide range of information and help to newcomers and runs a 'Discovering Hong Kong' course for them. During 1976 the bureau helped some 2,250 people-a third more than in its first year of operation. Services are to be expanded in view of the proven need.