SOCIAL WELFARE
who are injured or killed in crimes of violence or by law enforcement officers using weapons in the execution of their duties.
Under the scheme, an applicant retains his right to claim damages or compensation from other sources in respect of the same incident. Successful claimants are required to refund the payment received from the scheme or the amount of damages or compensation, whichever is the less.
During the year, 608 applications were approved for assistance amounting to $14.7 million, compared with $11.1 million in the preceding year.
The non-means-tested Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme provides cash payments to victims of traffic accidents, or their dependants in cases of death. It is administered by the Director of Social Welfare in consultation with an advisory committee. Payments cover personal injury and death, but not damage to property. Under the scheme, an applicant retains the right to claim damages or compensation from other sources in respect of the same accident. Successful claimants are required to refund the payment received from the scheme or the amount of damages or compensation, whichever is the less.
During the year, payments totalling $130 million were approved, compared with $125.5 million in 1996.
Emergency relief, in the form of hot meals, dry rations and other essential relief articles, is provided to victims of natural or other disasters. Cash grants from the Emergency Relief Fund are paid to these victims, or their dependants in cases of death, to relieve hardship caused by disasters. Emergency relief was given to 1 251 victims on 70 occasions during the year.
The rates of grants payable under the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme, the Traffic Accident Victim Assistance Scheme and the Emergency Relief Fund were increased in September to cover the rise in living costs.
Social Security Appeal Board
The Social Security Appeal Board is an independent body which considers appeals against SWD decisions concerning comprehensive social security assistance, social security allowance and traffic accident victims assistance. It heard 113 appeals in the year. Of these, 23 related to comprehensive social security assistance, 88 to social security allowance and two to traffic accident victims' assistance.
Services for Offenders
The SWD implements court orders to rehabilitate offenders through social work approaches, with the aim of reintegrating the offenders into the community. The probation service is available to offenders aged seven and above. Probation officers make recommendations to courts as to the offenders' suitability for probation supervision and assessment on prisoners under consideration for early release. They also supervise offenders' compliance to court orders. In 1997, 7049 people were placed on probation.
The Community Service Orders Scheme is a community-based initiative, which requires an offender aged 14 and above and convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment, to perform unpaid work of benefit to the community and to receive guidance from a probation officer. In 1997, 1 562 were put under the supervision of
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