8
Turning to a graduate posting as a Probation Officer for the Magistracies and Juvenile Court, Mr Strachan said one of his major responsibilities was to conduct social enquiries on an offender's character and background as directed by court.
"This includes interviewing the offender, the family, relatives, teachers, employers and other persons, making home visits and visiting the offender's place of work to learn about the offender; diagnosing the social and psychological causes of crime and making recommendations to help the court decide on the sentences.
"For offenders placed on probation, the probation officers would supervise the cases, offer guidance, advice and assistance to help them become responsible citizens," he said.
Mr Strachan said an ASWO posted as a Medical Social Worker would investigate the patient's social situation; identify, in consultation with others involved, the extent to which social and environmental pressures had contributed to the observed behaviour; use professional skills to help resolve any social relationship or environmental difficulties which would adversely affect the patient's mental health; provide effective counselling and guidance; prepare case recordings and social reports and attend case conferences.
Noting that the social welfare field was expanding very rapidly. Mr Strachan said the total expenditure of the SWD in 1995/96 would amount to $12 billion, doubling from $6 billion in 1991-92.
End/Tuesday, May 30, 1995
New postal fees effective on June I
The Postmaster General, Mr Mike Pagliari, reminded the public today (Tuesday) that new postal fees and charges would come into effect on Thursday (June
1).
The basic rate for local letters will be increased from $1.00 to $1.20.
For local printed papers, the postage will be revised from 90 cents to $1.10 for items which can be processed by the Mechanised Letter Sorting System and to $1.20 for items which cannot.