ENG-1987 — Page 192

SOCIAL WELFARE

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homes in new public housing estates. A number of purpose-built care and attention homes are also being planned. The department also provides sheltered housing for 595 elderly people in good health and capable of living independently through the purchase of 103 flats in two separate private housing developments.

A Central Committee on Services for the Elderly comprising representatives from various government departments and voluntary agencies was set up under the auspices of the Health and Welfare Branch. The committee plans to review the policy on services for the elderly in the light of social changes and the changing needs of the elderly.

Services for Young People

A wide range of services has been designed for young people under the age of 25. The overall objective is to assist and encourage young people to become mature and responsible members of society by fostering the development of their personality, charac- ter, sense of civic responsibility, social aptitudes and ability to use their leisure time beneficially.

To achieve these goals, the Social Welfare Department organised a wide variety of programmes, with special emphasis on the development of the potential of the youths. Community centres not only provide residents with a venue for community functions, but also house various welfare services, such as day-care for pre-school children, and services for the elderly and the handicapped. Following the transfer of the management of community centre facilities to the City and New Territories Administration, the depart- ment was able to devote more of its resources to promoting and strengthening group work activities.

Children and youth centres operated mainly by voluntary agencies serve as focal points for a variety of programmes and activities for the development of individual character, leadership, social ability and responsibility. In 1987, three children's centres, two youth centres and five combined children and youth centres were opened. At the end of the year, there were 157 children's centres and 169 youth centres in operation – with 105 being combined children and youth centres.

The Opportunities for Youth Scheme which has been administered by the department since 1974, continued to receive enthusiastic response from young people with plans to implement service projects to meet the specific needs of the community. In response to the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless, the scheme enlisted the support of the 19 district boards in encouraging young people to offer services for street sleepers and people deprived of proper homes. The Best Opportunities for Youth Scheme Award is organised to give recognition to outstanding projects.

The value of providing outreaching social work service for the 'unattached' young people who do not normally participate in organised youth activities is generally recognised. During the year, the criteria for selecting priority areas for service, and the overall provision of outreaching social work service have been examined. Depending on resources available, it was planned to provide six additional teams in the next three years. There were 18 teams in 1987.

School social work service has been provided by social workers in secondary schools, and guidance service to primary school students has also been provided by student guidance officers. These services are to help students with personal problems or problems in adjusting to school life. Upon the recommendations of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee, a number of improvements were made including the manning ratio, work approaches, and training of workers.