XN000022-1985-09-04 — Page 12

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1985

TIMELY WELFARE HELP TO CONTINUE

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THE SOCIAL WELFARE SECTOR MUST CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT FAMILIES IN NEED CAN OBTAIN TIMELY ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT, IN ORDER TO HELP PREVENT FAMILY TRAGEDIES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REFERRING TO RECENT CASES INVOLVING THE SUICIDES OF ADULTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, SHE SAID: THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE ITS IMPROVEMENTS IN VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY IN PROVIDING BETTER HOUSING TO RELIEVE THE PRESENT CONGESTED LIVING CONDITIONS FOR MANY FAMILIES.

+ IF RESOURCES PERMIT, WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO DO MORE REACHING OUT AND ASSISTING IN IDENTIFYING AND RESOLVING PROBLEMS AND IN THESE WAYS HELP TO FORESTALL FAMILY TRAGEDIES, SHE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS' LUNCHEON ON SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN NEED, SHE SAID A FAMILY IN STRESS SHOULD FEEL FREE TO APPROACH FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, OR TO CALL THE DEPARTMENTAL HOTLINE ON 3-432255.

HOUSEWIVES SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER JOINING WOMEN'S GROUPS SUCH AS THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY WHICH WAS A GOOD WAY OF WIDENING SOCIAL CONTACT AND OBTAINING MUTUAL HELP AND SUPPORT WHEN REQUIRED,

AT PRESENT THERE WAS A NETWORK OF 45 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, 22 OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND 23 BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

THE CENTRES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD AN ACTIVE CASELOAD OF JUST UNDER 22 000 CASES AS OF THE END OF JULY 1985 -- ABOUT HALF OF WHICH INVOLVED FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS.

IN SUCH CASES, THE DEPARTMENT OFFERED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELLING, APPLIED TO A JUVENILE COURT FOR A CARE AND PROTECTION ORDER TO PLACE A CHILD UNDER SUPERVISION, RECOMMENDED COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING OR ARRANGED RESIDENTIAL CARE.

HOME HELP SERVICES WERE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF MEAL DELIVERY, CHILD MINDING, PERSONAL CARE, ESCORT SERVICE TO SCHOOL, MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND HOME MANAGEMENT.

SINCE MANY COUPLES WORKED IN ORDER TO AFFORD A BETTER STANDARD OF LIVING, CHILD CARE WAS AN IMPORTANT SERVICE AREA, MRS CHAN SAID.

AT PRESENT THERE ARE 202 CHILD CARE CENTRES PROVIDING SOME 22 900 PLACES.