SOCIAL WELFARE
enhancement of management training, the centre aimed at promoting a self-learning culture in 1999.
Research and Statistics
The department conducts surveys and research studies, develops and maintains data systems and undertakes statistical compilation and estimation for the monitoring, planning, development and review of social welfare services. Major studies and surveys completed include the Study of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients 1998, Opinion Survey on 1998 Review of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and Survey on Employment Situation of 1998 Social Work Graduates.
Subvention and Service Monitoring
Recurrent subvention and capital grants were given to 186 NGOs for the provision of social welfare services in accordance with government policies. Funding allocation was administered by the department on the advice of the Subventions and Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee.
The Service Performance Monitoring System (SPMS) aims at ensuring that service units of both the SWD and subvented NGOs provide quality welfare services to members of the public. Under the system, service performance is to be assessed on the basis of 19 Service Quality Standards (SQSs) and Funding and Service Agreements (FSAs) developed for each specific service. The SPMS is augmented by a series of training programmes to ensure its smooth implementation.
Following a pilot exercise on the SQS implementation and assessment, the first phase covering the first batch of 35 FSAs and first five SQSS was implemented in April. The second and third phases of the SPMS will be implemented in 2000-01 and 2001-02 respectively.
In his budget speech for 1999-2000, the Financial Secretary proposed contracting out of welfare services as an alternative mode of delivering public services for achieving the best value for money. The meal service of new home help teams was selected for contracting out as a pilot in 1999-2000. A Contract Management Unit has been set up in the SWD to monitor the performance of the contractors.
Information Technology
The department began the development and implementation of a Computerised Social Security System (CSSS) in 1998 which is to be completed in 2000. At the same time, two feasibility studies on a Client Information System (CIS) and Technical Infrastructure (TI) were completed in 1999.
Community Building
Several government departments and NGOs contribute towards the community- building programme which serves to foster among the people of Hong Kong a sense of belonging, mutual care and civic responsibility.
Community-building efforts involve providing purpose-built facilities for group and community activities, the formation of citizens' organisations, encouraging community participation in the administration of public affairs, solving community problems and improving the quality of community life in general. The Home Affairs.
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