ENG-1996 — Page 239

SOCIAL WELFARE

workers served a student population of 449 370 at an overall manning ratio of 1:1 650. At the same time, at more than one quarter (i.e. 107) of secondary schools with a more serious student problem, the manning ratio was enhanced to 1:1 000.

The outreaching social work service provides counselling and guidance to young people who are vulnerable to undesirable influences. In December 1996, 32 teams served in areas with a high youth population and a high juvenile crime rate.

Integrated teams based on a new service model began operating in October 1994. The teams provide children and youth centre service, outreaching social work service, school social work service and where possible family life education under one management structure. Thirteen teams were set up at the end of 1996.

Uniformed organisations offer young people opportunities to join organised activities with progressive training programmes for the development of character and leadership and to help them become responsible members of the community. This year, 96 900 young people benefited from this service, provided by eight non- governmental organisations. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme has attracted a membership of 42 000 through its 18 operating authorities.

The Opportunities for Youth Scheme offers funding support to youth groups to plan and implement community service projects. In 1995–96, 2 057 young people took part in 131 projects which benefited 186 171 service customers.

Rehabilitation of People with a Disability

The objective of Hong Kong's rehabilitation services is to integrate people with a disability into the community. The territory has about 363 000 individuals with a disability. Services provided by government departments and non-governmental organisations help such 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 requirements for and identifies shortfalls and overprovision in rehabilitation services in the following five years. A White Paper on Rehabilitation was issued in June 1995, setting out the government's policy decisions on the further development of rehabilitation services for the next decade and beyond.

The Disability Discrimination Ordinance was enacted in August 1995. It gives people with a disability the means to seek redress against discrimination on the grounds of their disability which may arise in areas of employment; education; transport; access to buildings and other services; and participation in partnerships, professional organisations, clubs and sports. An aggrieved person may lodge a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission or bring civil proceedings in the District Court. Equally important is public education, which plays a vital role in changing people's perception of and attitude towards people with a disability. During the year, the government outlaid $8 million on strengthening public education on integration.

Several government departments provide rehabilitation services to people with a disability. The Department of Health is providing immunisation programmes against various communicable diseases while promoting health education to prevent disabilities. It also provides screening services for the early detection and identification of disabilities in babies. The Hospital Authority is responsible for providing medical rehabilitation services for clients with chronic illnesses and

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