SOCIAL WELFARE
Subvention and Evaluation
Financial assistance is given to 167 non-governmental organisations for the provision of social welfare services in accordance with government policies. Financial assistance for capital and special expenditure is also provided through the Lotteries Fund.
The Evaluation Unit of the department is responsible for monitoring and assessing services provided by subvented non-governmental organisations. For this purpose, departmental staff make regular visits to the agencies, which are in turn required to submit service statistics at specified intervals. Where appropriate, findings are submitted to the Subventions and Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee, which advises on the allocation of subventions and Lotteries Fund grants to agencies providing social welfare and rehabilitation services.
In 1995, the government plans to commission consultants to examine the subvention administration system and advise on ways to strengthen the partnership with non- governmental organisations. Their recommendations will help to ensure that the resources allocated to welfare services are used as effectively as possible.
Community Building
A number of government departments and voluntary organisations contribute towards the community-building programme.
This programme serves to foster among the people of Hong Kong a sense of belonging, mutual care and civic responsibility as society undergoes rapid socio-economic changes.-
Community-building efforts involve the provision of purpose-built facilities for group and community activities; the formation of citizens' organisations; and the encouragement of community participation in the administration of public affairs, solving community problems, promoting social stability and improving the quality of life in general.
While the Home Affairs Branch has policy responsibility for the programme, the Home Affairs Department, known as the City and New Territories Administration before December 1, and the Social Welfare Department are principally responsible for its implementation.
The Home Affairs Department, through its network of district offices, is primarily concerned with promoting mutual care and community spirit through local organisations such as area committees, mutual aid committees, rural committees, kaifong welfare associations, women's organisations and local arts and sports associations.
The Social Welfare Department is responsible for various aspects of group and community work aimed at promoting the development of individuals and groups, and at fostering a sense of community responsibility.
Commission on Youth
The Commission on Youth was established in February 1990 with members appointed by the Governor. Its main objectives are to advise on matters pertaining to youth, initiate research, promote co-operation and co-ordination in the provision of youth services and serve as a focal liaison point with other international youth organisations for exchange programmes.
During the year, the commission placed much emphasis on promoting the Charter for Youth which was developed in April 1993. By the end of the year, 349 organisations and
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