Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1971-1972 — Page 8

4. It is not surprising that the emphasis on more effective services has meant greater attention being paid to the need for qualified and trained social workers. A study of the supply and demand for social workers was made by the distinguished Dame Eileen YOUNGHUSBAND, D.B.E., J.P. whose report was published in March 1972. Dame Eileen's proposals, which are under active consideration by Government, include amongst other things, the establishment of a new two-year course of training for social work outside the universities.

5. As more attention is being given to the role of young people in the community, a better appreciation of the views of the younger generation becomes increasingly important. A youth project called 'Young People's World' was organized by the Department in connec- tion with the 1971 Festival of Hong Kong. The project offered op- portunities for young people to express their ideas, views and aspirations towards life and society through the media of creative structural design, essay-writing, painting and stage performances. This project attracted some 1,000 participants and 100,000 visitors. It is most likely that a similar project will be held next year.

6. The Probation Service continued to expand to cope with the increase in the number of social enquiries and supervision cases referred to it by the courts. In order to cope with the increase in cases and to provide more intensive services a revised manning scale was introduced together with an increase in staff from 53 officers to 81 officers.

7. It is gratifying to note that disabled persons are slowly being accepted by employers as useful and hardworking employees. The Department has been able to find suitable employment for 1,000 disabled persons since 1967.

Expenditure

8. Total Government expenditure on social welfare including Depart- mental costs, direct welfare services, subventions and allocations from the Lotteries Fund amounted to $56,338,009, an increase of 30.8% over the previous year.

9. Actual Departmental expenditure for the year increased to $34.4 million, an increase of $11.2 million (48.3%) over the previous finan- cial year. In addition recurrent subventions to voluntary welfare agencies increased from $12.4 million in 1970-71 to $16.4 million (32.3%) in 1971-72. Funds for capital expenditure were made available from the

2