ENG-1992 — Page 197

SOCIAL WELFARE

Children and youth centres, operated mainly by subvented non-governmental organi- sations, serve as focal points for a variety of programmes and activities for the personal growth and social development of young people. In 1992 nine combined children and youth centres were opened, making a total of 214 children centres and 215 youth centres.

Outreaching social work attempts to cater to groups of young people at risk who do not normally participate in organised youth activities. In 1992, there were totally 24 outreaching social work teams serving in priority areas with large youth populations, high population density and high juvenile crime rates.

School social work service, provided by social workers in secondary schools, helps students with personal behavioural or family-related problems in adjusting to school life. In 1992, there were totally 150 School Social Work Units covering all secondary schools in the territory.

Uniformed organisations offer young people opportunities to join organised activities with progressive training programmes to help them develop character and leadership so that they can eventually become responsible, self-reliant and caring members of the community. There are eight subvented welfare organisations, with over 85 000 members operating a wide range of activities with different emphasis for different target groups of young people. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme offers a comprehensive programme focusing on development of the potential of young people, attracting a membership of 36 711 through its 20 operating authorities.

Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons

The objective of Hong Kong's rehabilitation services is to integrate disabled persons into the community. Services provided by government departments and non-governmental organisations aim to enable disabled people to fully develop their physical, mental and social capabilities. These services are co-ordinated by the Commissioner for Rehabilitation, who also conducts regular reviews of the Rehabilitation Programme Plan which projects the requirement for and identifies the shortfall in rehabilitation services for the following 10 years. A Green Paper on Rehabilitation entitled 'Equal Opportunities and Full Participation: A Better Tomorrow for All' was published in March 1992 to consult the public on the way forward for future development of rehabilitation services in Hong Kong. Public comments received are being examined carefully and a White Paper on Rehabilitation will be produced in 1993.

The Department of Health is responsible for providing immunisation programmes against various communicable diseases and promoting health education to prevent disabilities. It also provides screening services for early detection and identification of disabilities. The Hospital Authority is responsible for providing medical rehabilitation services. The Social Welfare Department is responsible for the planning and development of a wide range of social rehabilitation services, either through direct service provision or subvention to non-governmental organisations. The Education Department is responsible for the planning and development of education and related supportive services for disabled children of school age. The Labour Department is responsible for job placements for the hearing and visually impaired, the physically handicapped, the mentally handicapped and ex-mentally ill persons. The Transport Department subvents a 'Rehabus' Service for disabled persons who have difficulties in using public transport. The Vocational Training Council is responsible for providing and co-ordinating vocational training for disabled persons.

163