190 Social Welfare
Core programmes include a transitional residential service, an ambulatory day training programme and supportive service programmes.
District Support Centres for Persons with Disabilities
In 2008, the SWD was preparing for the setting up of 16 District Support Centres for Persons with Disabilities (DSCs/PWD) by re-designing home-based training and support services. The aim of these centres is to provide one-stop community support services for persons with disabilities for their better integration into the community. They also aim to provide training and support to the families or carers of persons with disabilities, strengthening their caring capacities and relieving their stress. The 16 district support centres will commence service by January 2009.
Child Development Fund
The Government established a $300 million Child Development Fund (CDF) in 2008 to underpin resources from families, the private sector, the community and the Government in the longer-term development of children from a disadvantaged background. The SWD has been entrusted with operational responsibility for the fund.
NGOs were selected to implement the first batch of pioneer projects in seven regions or districts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon East, Kowloon West, New Territories East, New Territories West, Tin Shui Wai and Tung Chung. The Government will conduct an evaluation of these projects to decide how the CDF can be further developed into a longer-term model.
Independent Review on the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System
The Lump Sum Grant Subvention System (LSGSS) was introduced in January 2001 in a major revamp of the public funding and management of NGOs in the social welfare sector. In early 2008, while acknowledging that the system had its merits, the Government also agreed that there was scope for improvement. It therefore appointed a Lump Sum Grant Independent Review Committee (IRC) in January to assess the overall effectiveness of the system and identify areas for improvement.
After analysing the views collected from 133 written submissions and meetings. with 112 stakeholder groups, the IRC completed its review in December and submitted a report to the Government with 36 recommendations on ways to improve the system. The IRC considered that the principles of the system were sound, the system was worth retaining and that every effort should be made to improve it. The Government will study the report in detail and provide a full response in February 2009.
Social Welfare Programmes
Family and Child Welfare
A range of family and child welfare services is provided by the SWD and NGOs.
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