ENG-1999 — Page 239

SOCIAL WELFARE

The applicant has the right to pursue claims for damages from other sources in respect of the same incident. Successful claimants are required to refund the compensation received from the scheme or the amount of damages, whichever is the

less.

During the year 459 applications were approved for assistance amounting to $12.5 million, compared with $18.20 million in the previous year.

The Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme is a non-means-tested scheme. It provides cash payments to victims of traffic accidents, or their dependants in cases of death.

An applicant retains the right to claim damages or compensation from other sources in respect of the same accident. Successful claimants must refund the payment received from the scheme or the amount of damages or compensation, whichever is the less.

During the year, 5 631 applications were approved for assistance amounting to $136.7 million, compared with $165 million in 1998.

Emergency relief in the form of hot meals, dry rations and other essential relief articles, is provided to victims of natural and other disasters. Grants from the Emergency Relief Fund are paid to these victims, or their dependants in cases of death. Emergency relief was given to 2 249 victims on 48 occasions during the year.

Social Security Appeal Board

The Social Security Appeal Board considers appeals against SWD decisions concerning comprehensive social security assistance, social security allowance and traffic accident victims assistance. It heard 90 appeals in the year. Of these, 23 related to comprehensive social security assistance, 65 to social security allowance and two to traffic accident victims assistance.

Services for Offenders

To help offenders become law-abiding citizens and reintegrate into the community, the SWD discharges statutory functions in respect of related ordinances and provides community-based and residential services for the offenders.

The probation service serves offenders aged seven and above. Probation officers assess the offenders' suitability for probation supervision and make recommendations to courts. They also supervise the probationers to comply with the court orders. In 1999, 6 562 offenders were placed on probation. Officers also prepare reports on long-term prisoners and petition cases for consideration of early release.

Offenders aged 14 and above and convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment may be placed on Community Service Orders which require offenders to perform unpaid work of benefit to the community and to receive guidance from probation officers. In 1999, 2015 offenders were put under orders.

Seven residential homes with a total capacity of 490 places provide educational, pre-vocational and character training for children or young persons with behaviour or family problems and juvenile offenders.

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