XN000022-1995-02-17 — Page 27

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He noted that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children was extended to Hong Kong last October.

This convention upholds the belief that the family, as the fundamental group of society and natural environment for growth and well-being of all its members particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community.

It also recognises that for the full and harmonious development of a child's personality, they should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

Embracing the same principles, Mr Strachan said the Adoption Unit of the Social Welfare Department had always been making vigorous efforts to find suitable adoptive families for children in need of a permanent home.

"As a result of the efforts made, we are happy to see a steady increase in the number of adoption applications in respect of my wards and a relatively short length of time to place these children with their adoptive families.

"Take 1994 as example, we received a total of 151 new adoption applications in respect of children under our care and a total of 125 children were successfully placed into adoptive families.

"Also, among the children successfully placed locally last year, over 93 per cent of them joined their adoptive families within three months after they were confirmed eligible for adoption," he said.

Noting that the Adoption Unit was not without its difficulties in placing all children awaiting adoption, Mr Strachan said while there was virtually no problem to find a suitable adoptive home quickly for young and healthy children, the department had to make additional efforts to locate a suitable home for children with special needs.

"In order to improve the chance of adoption of children with special needs, the Adoption Unit has explored not only the local but also the overseas channels in finding adoptive families for them.

"Through the co-operation of the International Social Service, Holt International and Mother's Choice, we have been able to locate more suitable adoptive families for some of our children with special needs," he added.

End/Friday, February 17, 1995