XN000022-1995-07-05 — Page 74

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(a)

(b)

NLCDPs were introduced in the seventies as a remedial service for areas such as squatter areas and temporary housing areas (THAs) where the provision of welfare services was inadequate or non-existent. In view of the marked improvement in the provision of welfare services, introduction of new services, full implementation of the District Administration Scheme and decrease in the number of THAs and squatter areas over the past twenty years, the need for NLCDP service is diminishing. Coupled with the fact that trained social workers who are limited in number are badly needed to effect the expansion of other welfare services, we intend to propose to the Executive Council to rationalise the NLCDP service by withdrawing NLCDP teams whose services for their clients will no longer be required upon the clearance or redevelopment of the areas which they serve.

The Government attaches great importance to community development. The introduction of the District Administration Scheme is to strengthen local administration and community development. The District Boards together with the Mutual Aid Committees, Owners' Corporations, Area Committees and various district organisations provide various channels for residents to voice their concerns or to come together to foster a sense of neighbourhoodliness. The District Officers will continue to provide assistance to district organisations and encourage them to undertake community involvement projects with the assistance of District Board funds. The Social Welfare Department's Group Work Units and NGO- run community centres are providing group and community services to all age groups in the neighbourhood community. The Social Welfare Department will also continue to encourage its service units and NGOs to adopt an out-reaching approach in the delivery of their service in order to address the welfare needs of the people they serve.

End/Wednesday, July 5, 1995