TNAG-2193-FCO40-3130-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 7

9.

HKG attaches

services that

importance

to providing social

meet the community's basic needs and

expectations but without a Western-style welfare state

HK'S social welfare services adopt a minimalist

system.

approach in

providing an essential safety net that ensures

no one in the community need fall

basic living

standards.

below

Limited public assistance is based on means

testing and essential requirements, and support is given to

the elderly, the handicapped, the homeless and problem

juveniles. In its services for children and youth, the

Social Welfare Department (SWD) implements the

directions of the courts on the treatment and rehabilita-

Government's

tion of young

including

persons by providing probation services,

the running of homes and hostels; residential

training institutions; operates units for child custody and

foster care. The SWD is also responsible for the planning

and coordination of services for the elderly and the

welfare agencies provide a variety of

facilities such as care and attention homes for the

handicapped while

elderly, sheltered workshop and training facilities for the

handicapped.

the past three years, recurrent and

capital expenditure on social welfare has averaged about

Over

HK$4,000 million or 5.9% of Government

year.

expenditure per

SECRET