Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1963-1964 — Page 53

CHAPTER XI

CONCLUSION

98. If it is fair to point with some pride to the achievements of the past year, it is also prudent to acknowledge that a great deal remains to be done. There are severe limitations in Hong Kong which inevitably impede the full development of the present services, which it would only be honest to admit are inadequate. A first limitation is money: there are heavy competing demands on local financial resources. A second limitation is in personnel: despite the extensive training programme referred to in Chapter X, there are still insufficient numbers of qualified staff properly to man the services provided by the voluntary agencies as well as by Government departments. The third problem concerns the growing need: with a net annual increase in population of over 100,000 and the consequent increase in the extent of social need, the Department has no option but to expand as well as to attempt to improve its services. Social problems of the kind solved by social workers do not decrease even if the standard of living rises, yet if it falls their particular skills are in greater demand than ever, if one is to ensure that public funds are used only for purposes which are both essential and constructive. Equally the work loads of individual officers cannot be allowed to continue at the present excessive level if techniques are not to be swamped and energies dissipated: there is a genuine risk here of failing to help in- dividuals or groups effectively or permanently, simply because effort is spread too thin in the endeavour to cope with the numbers who come forward.

99. This report claims to provide ample evidence that significant progress has been made during the past year. Perhaps as important, it indicates that the groundwork for the future is also being laid. Other things being equal, the coming year should be one of consolidation and further progress. Hong Kong has achieved international recognition for its ability to deal energetically and effectively with its economic and physical problems. In the final analysis, however, it will be judged by its willingness and capacity to meet the massive social needs of its people. The Social Welfare Department, in co-operation with the voluntary agencies and in association with others working in this branch of the

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