TNAG-1609-FCO40-22131-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 156

Social Welfare

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I now turn to social welfare issues. Mr. Hui has

suggested that there should be an overall review of our

social welfare policy which would take into account future

developments. Although the White Paper on Social Welfare

into the Eighties was published some years ago, the

philosophy and the general direction of the policies laid

down in this document are still largely valid. I do not

therefore see the need for an overall review at this

stage; this would be a lengthy exercise and would not, I

think, produce any very significant changes. It seems to

me to be more appropriate to review particular policy

areas which areaff

are affected

ted by changing circumstances. During

the past two years, we have reviewed the school social

work service, residential child care services and

outreaching social work for young people at risk as well

as public assistance and the old age allowance. We are now

in the process of reviewing the policy on direct services

for the elderly, on street sleepers and on child care

centres. Our social welfare policies are therefore being

basis to meet the changing needs of

made

updated on a reg the.

the community, and changes are incorporated into the Five-

A

spar

Year Plan for Social Welfare Development, which is

reviewed on a biennial basis.

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