SOCIAL WELFARE
performance monitoring aspects of the reform have been implemented progressively since 1999-2000 under the Service Performance Monitoring System. This assesses. service performance on the basis of a set of well-defined Service Quality Standards and a Funding and Service Agreement developed for each specific service.
Information Technology
In April, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved a non-recurrent commitment of $241 million to the SWD for implementing department-wide technical infrastructure and a client information system under Phase II of its Information Systems Strategy. The technical infrastructure would support the effective use of information technology in the delivery of welfare services, and the client information system would facilitate sharing of information among front-line workers and case management and service planning staff.
Community Building and Promoting Mutual Care
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 Bureau has policy responsibility for the programme and the Home Affairs Department and the SWD are principally responsible for its implementation. The Home Affairs Department, through its network of district offices, is primarily concerned with encouraging participation in community service and promoting mutual care and community spirit through local organisations such as committees, mutual aid committees, rural committees, charitable organisations, social service groups, kaifong associations and women's organisations.
The SWD and NGOs, through the provision of group and community work. activities, promote social relationships and cohesion within the community and encourage individuals to solve community problems.
Community Investment and Inclusion Fund
In his 2001 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the plan to set up the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund, to encourage mutual concern and aid among people and to promote community participation in district and cross-sectoral programmes. The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee was established in April to handle applications for funding. It is envisaged that two to three batches of applications can be processed each year. Applications were called for in August and over 220 project proposals were received in the first batch. By year-end, 12 applications had been approved, involving an allocation of around $9 million.
Women's Commission
The Women's Commission was set up on January 15, 2001 as a central mechanism to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong. It is tasked to identify all women's needs and address matters of concern to women in a holistic and systematic manner. It has developed a long-term vision and strategy for the
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