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Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, to a question by the Hon Mrs Anson Chan on residential child care centres and children's homes in the Legislative Council today (May 21):
Question:
There have been comments that the recent seasonal outbreaks of influenza, enterovirus, respiratory and other infectious diseases are placing enormous pressure on the staff and other resources of subvented non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which operate residential child care centres and children's homes. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) when the Social Welfare Department last conducted a systematic review of the adequacy of the capital and recurrent subsidies provided to the above NGOs to meet staff costs and other operating expenses; and
(b) whether it has assessed if the staffing and operating standards for NGOs, which are currently recognised for subvention purposes, are adequate to protect the health and welfare of children under the care of such organisations; if it has, of the outcome of the assessment?
Reply:
Madam President,
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) closely monitors service needs, and considers the staffing and operating standards currently recognised for subvention purposes in NGOs operating residential child care centres and children's homes adequate for the purpose of protecting the health and welfare of service users. Regular contact is maintained with these service providers to understand their operational needs and resource requirements. SWD reviews the level of financial provision from time to time to ensure effective delivery of service.
Ends/Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:15
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