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Following is a speech by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Dr E K Yeoh, at the Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service Summit on Family Solidarity today (May 15):

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Family is a vital component of our society and I am sure that no one would disagree. Today is the United Nations International Day of Families and I must congratulate the Hong Kong Council of Social Service for organizing this event which gives us an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by families in Hong Kong, and how we could do better in supporting families.

Decades ago, families in Chinese communities were primarily extended families which were generally self-contained and external influence was minimal. With rapid socio-economic changes, the structure and functions of the family have undergone significant changes. For instance, the household size is getting smaller, the number of single parent families and split families is on the rise, and there are more families with both parents working. While some families have the strength to cope with the challenges, others who are vulnerable and less capable to face these stresses and strains have to seek help from outside the family.

Over the years, the Administration has developed a multi-level intervention strategy and provided a continuum of preventive, supportive and remedial services to cater for the various needs of the family. In 2001-02, the estimated recurrent expenditure on the family and child welfare programme is $1.7 billion. This, of course, excludes welfare expenditure on young people, the elderly etc. all of whom can be regarded as family members. I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to develop and provide a child-centred, family-focused, and community-based family and child welfare programme to promote the well-being of families.

Supporting families in our society also requires cooperation, collaboration and partnership from all in the community, including the social work profession, the business community, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, etc. Together we can collectively build a better and happier society.

Thank you.

End/Tuesday, May 15, 2001

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