ENG-1975 — Page 150

SOCIAL WELFARE

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The in-service training of social workers and the provision of refresher courses is undertaken on behalf of both the government and the voluntary sector by the train- ing division of the Social Welfare Department. The division also operates a demon- stration nursery, providing day care for about 100 children between the ages of two and five, which serves as a training ground for nursery workers.

To assist young people to obtain university training, a number of bursaries and scholarships are offered by the Social Work Training Fund, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the government through the Social Welfare Department.

Planning

The social welfare five year development plan is reviewed annually in order to ensure that it remains attuned to the needs of the community and within the capacity of available financial and other resources. The review is carried out in conjunction with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. It enables progress to be properly monitored and priorities to be re-evaluated and, where necessary, re-assigned in the light of changing circumstances. In 1975 the review team considered in detail the projects scheduled for 1976. It also examined in general terms the development proposed for 1977-9 and maintained the rolling concept of the plan by indicating possible areas of further development in 1980.

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Research and Evaluation

A pilot study of six welfare agencies, each active in a different area of service, was undertaken during the year by a joint team drawn from the Social Welfare Department and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The objective was to establish and set out realistic criteria and procedures for the future evaluation of wel- fare services, both in terms of quality and in relation to community needs. A further joint study which was also completed dealt with problem girls in need of residential

care.

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The research and evaluation unit completed or initiated a number of internal studies within the Social Welfare Department. These included a study of the pro- cessing, review and other procedures observed in the handling of applications for public assistance; and a study on the functions of district youth and recreation co-ordinating committees. They have enabled problem areas to be clearly identified and have provided much other useful information.

In the voluntary sector, considerably more use has been made by agencies of the research department of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Among its other activities, the department conducted for member agencies and other interested organisations a seminar on social programme evaluation.

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