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To ensure the support given to CSSA recipients is adequate, the Government has started a comprehensive review of the CSSA Scheme in November 1994.
The review had been completed and the recommendations in the final report would be announced next week, said Mrs Fok.
Meanwhile, the CSSA standard rates for certain groups will be increased from April this year. The proposed enhancements will benefit up to 52,000 people at an annual cost of $300 million.
On family and child welfare, the Government will be spending about $1.4 billion to provide about 80 more family case workers and clinical psychologists, 13 more specially trained social workers to fight child abuse and to reduce the trauma of children, and 19 extra social workers to advise on arrangements for child custody in divorce cases.
In addition, about $1 billion will be used on helping young persons at risk and providing services for the rehabilitation of offenders.
Turning to health services, Mrs Fok stressed that disease prevention and the promotion of good health practices remained a priority.
The Department of Health, which will be allocated about $1.8 billion in recurrent expenditure for 1996-97, aims to increase health awareness both in the community and among specific target groups and to emphasise the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
To achieve these targets, the following new public health services will be provided during the year:
* 155 infirmary beds;
* two maternal and child health centres in Ma On Shan and Tseung Kwan O;
a child assessment centre and a school dental clinic in Ha Kwai Chung;
* three clinics in Ha Kwai Chung, Ma On Shan and Tseung Kwan O;
a woman health centre in Tuen Mun:
* three elderly health centres in Kennedy Town, Yuen Chau Kok and Tsuen
Wan;
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