ENG-1987 — Page 194

SOCIAL WELFARE

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During the year, new rehabilitation services were conceived, such as day centre service for discharged mental patients, respite service for families with mentally handicapped persons and foster care for mildly mentally handicapped children. These services are expected to be implemented in the near future.

Staff Development

The education of professional social workers is provided by the two universities, two polytechnics and the post-secondary colleges. The Social Welfare Department and welfare agencies assist in the provision of practical work placements for social work students from these training 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 orien- tation courses for both departmental staff and social workers employed in the voluntary welfare sector.

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During the year, 151 programmes, seminars and workshops were organised by the training section, compared with 143 in 1986. The 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 department sponsors experienced personnel to attend advanced training courses or international conferences. During the year, 118 officers attended 20 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 supporting service to the department by preparing estimates and carrying out surveys. Six studies were conducted during the year to obtain statistical information for reviewing and planning welfare services and social security schemes. The section also runs a standardised Law and Order Statistical System for offenders under the care of the department and a data system on information concerning street sleepers.

The Evaluation Section of the department is responsible for monitoring and assessing services provided by the subvented welfare agencies. For this purpose, departmental staff make regular visits to these agencies which are in turn required to send service statistics to the department at specified intervals. Where appropriate, findings are submitted to the Subventions and Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee which advises on allocation of subventions. During the year, the department conducted five in-depth evaluations of the service programmes of subvented agencies and launched two evaluations of experimental projects financed by the Lotteries Fund.

Community Building

'Community building' serves to foster among the people of Hong Kong a sense of belonging, mutual care and civic responsibility as the society undergoes rapid socio- economic changes. Community building efforts involve the provision of purpose-built facilities for group and community activities, formation of citizens' organisations and encouragement of community participation in the administration of public affairs, in solving community problems, in promoting social stability and in improving the quality of life in general.