ENG-1986 — Page 180

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SOCIAL WELFARE

During the year, staffing standards in sheltered workshops in the subvented sector were brought up to a level comparable with those for departmental sheltered workshops.

Disabled persons who cannot be adequately cared for at home, or those who have no close relatives to look after them, are entitled to residential care. By the end of the year, there were 1 041 places in homes for mentally handicapped adults, 355 places in homes for the physically handicapped, and 399 places in homes for the blind.

For pre-school disabled children, subvented agencies provided 538 places for mildly mentally handicapped children in integrated programmes in child care centres, 480 places for the moderate and severely mentally handicapped children in 11 special child care centres, 380 places for pre-school disabled children in seven early education and training centres. The agencies also provided 18 social clubs, two sports associations and a fleet of 21 Rehabuses for the use of handicapped persons generally, while the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company introduced a new travel concession scheme.

Further efforts were made to improve after-care and rehabilitation services for dischar- ged mental patients. By the end of the year, 455 places were provided in halfway houses. The Committee on Public Education in Rehabilitation continued its efforts to foster a more positive public attitude towards former mental patients.

During the year, the Social Welfare Department carried out a review of existing services provided for the disabled in the light of the recommendations of the review of the policy on social, recreational and sports services for the disabled, with the aim of implementing these recommendations where feasible. Both the department and the welfare agencies intend to increase their efforts to integrate the disabled into the community.

Training

The training of professional social workers is the responsibility of the two universities, the two polytechnics and the post-secondary colleges. The Social Welfare Department and welfare agencies assist in the provision of field work placements for social work students from these institutions. The Social Welfare Department, through its Training Section at the Lady Trench Training Centre, provides in-service training programmes including basic social work training, staff development programmes, induction training and orienta- tion courses for both departmental staff and social workers employed in the voluntary welfare sector.

During the year, the number of courses, programmes, seminars and workshops organ- ised by the Training Section totalled 179, compared with 137 in 1985. The Training Section also operates a child care centre which, besides providing day care for 100 children aged between two and five, serves as a training facility for trainees in child care work.

To equip staff with updated and specialised skills in the various areas of welfare service, the Social Welfare Department sponsors experienced personnel to attend advanced training courses or international conferences. During the year, 27 officers attended 18 such courses and conferences. The Social Work Training Fund and other scholarships also provide funds to promote advanced social work training.

Research and Evaluation

The Research and Statistics Section provides support service to the department by preparing various estimates and conducting studies. In 1986, 11 studies were conducted, to obtain statistical information for planning and reviewing the social security schemes, and family and other services. The section also runs a standardised Law and Order Statistical System for offenders under the care of the department.

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