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The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Family Service Centre of the Social Welfare Department (SWD)'s Kowloon City & Yau Tsim Mong District Social Welfare Office this afternoon (July 24) to see for himself the services provided by the SWD to individuals and families within the centre's service boundary.
Accompanied by the District Social Welfare Officer (Kowloon City/Yau Tsim Mong) of the SWD, Ms Wong Yin-yee, and the officer-in-charge of the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Family Service Centre, Ms Scarlett Tam, Mr Cheung was briefed by staff of the centre on its operation and the services provided.
During an exchange with the centre staff, Mr Cheung learnt of the unique demographic profile and service needs of the district. He noted that there were many new arrivals and ethnic minority families living in rental units of old buildings, and also expressed understanding on the wide range of support services required. He encouraged the staff to continue their efforts in providing appropriate services to residents and families in need.
Mr Cheung took the chance to observe an English class for new arrivals and retired persons in the district, a painting class for ethnic minority children and a parent-child cooking activity.
Currently, there are 65 Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) in Hong Kong, 41 of which are operated by the SWD while the remaining 24 are operated by 10 non-governmental organisations. The IFSCs have all along been delivering a wide spectrum of preventive, supportive and remedial services, including family life education, parent-child activities, counselling and outreach services, to families in need under a "child-centred, family-focused and community-based" direction and the guiding principles of accessibility, early identification, integration and partnership.
In 2013-14, these 65 IFSCs jointly handled an average of 40 316 cases per month. A total of 9 554 group activities and special programmes were provided throughout the territory during the financial year.
Ends/Thursday, July 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:05
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