TNAG-1602-FCO40-2198-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1987 — Page 163

4.2

current

However, the general view is that the mention should not be in fine detail because the social welfare policy should be designed to suit the special needs of the political, social and economic environment, etc. It has to be continuously reassessed 80 as to keep in step with the needs of the public.

Given that the Basic Law 18

readily. this

constitutional in its nature and that it cannot be amended part should be written with flexibility great details. In laying down provisions in the following considerations will be helpful.

rather than in the Basic law,

Protection by legislation:

At present, certain areas of social welfare is provided for by legislation. e.g. the Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance and Child Care Centre Ordinance, etc. These ordinances should continue to be valid in the future, and subject to revision according to actual needs.

4.3

The role of the Government

In dealing with social welfare, the future SAR government can take the present role of the Hong Kong government a8

reference:

1) to subvent voluntary agencies.

2) to coordinate the various social services.

3) to formulate and implement social welfare policies.

carry out statutory social services

4) to

probation,

Ordinance

such

ав

public

assistance.

and

Child Care

Protection of Women and

Centre

Juveniles

4.4

Ordinance.

5) to provide some of the direct socal services.

The independent nature of the policy

The HKSAR government should be authorised to retain the previous autonomy in formulationg welfare policies. The various voluntary agencies should be allowed to design their own modes of service and maintain their autonomy and originality.

4.5

The

two international covenants are only provisions in principle. they can be used as the principle and basis for future development of social welfare.,

4.6

At

present,

social

professional training.

workers

4

must

receive

certain