Institutional care for old people will be expanded, but will be restricted to those old people who can no longer function inde - pendently in the community. Priority will be given to the expansion of care and attention homes providing personal nursing care for old people in need of such services. There is a considerable shortfall of such facilities at present and in order that this shortfall may be met as quickly as possible, and in view of the reluctance of some voluntary agencies to undertake such projects, the Government is now examining the best means of playing a more direct role in the provision of these facilities. Homes for the aged will also be expanded. The longer term planning targets for institutional facilities will be reviewed when an assessment can be made of the effects of improved community support services and cash benefits for the elderly.
(ii) Personal Social Work Among Young People
22
Young people of Hong Kong already have access to a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities organised by the Government, the Urban Council and voluntary organisations. It is estimated that about one-third of all young people in the age range from 6-20 are taking part in some form of organised youth or recreational activity in their spare time. At a more basic level, the Government has stepped up its efforts in improving public housing, education and medical and health facilities for the community. These efforts should enable the majority of young people to develop into responsible and mature members of society. However for a minority group, more intensive personal guidance and help is necessary, particularly for those who are not attracted to organised activities. Personal social work among young people is designed to help those between 6 and 20, with the overall objective of reducing and preventing anti-social and delinquent behaviour. Expansion is planned in those services which will reach young people at school (School Social Work), in their homes (Family Life Education) and in society at large (Out- reaching Social Work) to improve understanding between them and their families and to inculcate a sense of responsibility and moral values. Details are given in paragraphs 4. 29 to 4. 34 of the draft White Paper.
(iii) Community and Youth Services
23
The Government's aim in community building is to build a society in which there is mutual care, respect and responsibility. In the social welfare field, community halls and centres, both inside and outside housing estates will remain the most visible expression of this aim. There is a programme for the provision of such facilities
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.