ENG-2002 — Page 246

SOCIAL WELFARE

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To continue with efforts in providing comprehensive services for youth-at-risk, an all-night drop-in centre was set up in 2002 on a pilot basis for a period of three years. NGOs were commissioned to run late-night programmes for young night drifters at different indoor recreation centres operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Cross-sector collaboration has been further enhanced with the implementation of referral mechanisms for the Student Health Service under the Department of Health and the Customs and Excise Department to refer youth-in- need to appropriate welfare services units.

Volunteerism

The Steering Committee on Volunteer Movement organised a series of promotional and publicity programmes to promote volunteerism targeted at students and youth, corporations and community organisations. The Campaign Evergreen, one of the major initiatives of the Volunteer Movement, was launched in July with the aim of promoting mutual care and support among people through cross-sector collaboration. It called for volunteer action from all quarters to show concern for people facing difficulties and thus help them regain their strength of purpose to face life's challenges and deal with their difficulties. At year-end, 919 organisations and 351 422 individuals had registered to participate in volunteer service.

Clinical Psychological Services

The SWD and NGOs employ a total of 69 clinical psychologists who provide a range of services to family casework, rehabilitation and correctional units in the HKSAR's social service sector. These services include psychological assessment, treatment, consultation, staff training and public education services. During the year, a total of 2746 cases were served, and 2 446 assessments and 14 306 treatment sessions conducted.

Staff Development and Training

During the year, the SWD's Staff Development and Training Section organised 599 in-service training programmes for a total of 21 754 participants from the department and NGOs. To support continuous learning, the section has continued the development of its 'e-learning Centre' website where a web-based training package is provided.

Research and Statistics

The SWD conducts surveys and research studies, develops and maintains data systems and undertakes statistical compilation and estimation for the monitoring, planning, development and review of social welfare services.

Subvention and Service Monitoring

At year-end, recurrent subvention and capital grants were given to 181 NGOs for the provision of social welfare services in accordance with government policies. Funding allocation for capital grants was administered by the SWD on the advice of the Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee.

To facilitate smooth implementation of the subvention reform, a Lump Sum Grant Steering Committee (with the Director of Social Welfare as Chairperson) was set up in February 2001 to advise on measures to achieve continuous improvement. The