ENG-1974 — Page 152

SOCIAL WELFARE

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The 1974 review noted projects completed or in progress under the plan for the first two years (1973 and 1974), examined in depth the projects in train for 1975, and looked more generally at those scheduled for 1976 and 1978. Further projects were also agreed, to extend the plan beyond 1978. Detailed action plans for immediate development were prepared as guidelines for the coming year.

Research and Evaluation

In 1974 a steering committee on evaluation was set up in which the government and the voluntary sector are both represented. The main purpose is to assess existing welfare services to ensure that what is being provided is commensurate with the chang- ing needs of the community.

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Within the government, a number of projects have been completed by the research and evaluation unit of the Social Welfare Department. Notable ones include 'A Study of the Impact of the Disability and Infirmity Allowance Scheme Upon Its Target Population' and 'A Study of Closed Cases Having Applied for Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation, 1973-4'. Another major project which began in August 1974 and which will last a period of 12 months is the 'Sample Household Expenditure Survey on Public Assistance Recipients'. This survey when completed should enable the government to compile an index accurately reflecting changes in the cost of living of households eligible for public assistance.

In the voluntary sector, attention has also been paid to research work. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service has a research department which maintains a close link with the voluntary agencies in promoting research for the improvement of welfare services in Hong Kong.

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