Lesson 7 – How can the social welfare in

Hong Kong be improved?

10th December, 2010

How can the government solve social welfare problems?

How can the government solve social welfare problems?

A. Prevent the abuse ( 濫用 ) of resources

Special Investigation Section ( 特別調查組 )

Inspect ( 審查 ) fraud cases ( 詐騙個案 ) of CSSA

Special Investigation Section

Set up four teams to prevent social security fraud cases and abuse of social welfare benefits. They are:

Fraud Investigation Teams (1) and (2) 詐騙案調查隊Data Matching Team 資料核對隊Target Investigation Team 重點調查隊

How can the government solve social welfare problems?

B. Monitor the quality of services

Service Performance Monitor System ( 服務表現監察制度 )It is included in the contracts ( 合約 ) between the government and the outsourced services providers/NGOs.

Ensure that the NGOs receiving subsidies ( 津貼 ) will provide high-quality welfare services.

有關的監察措施包括：規定福利機構提交有關基本服務規定、服務質素標準及服務量和服務成效標準的自我評估報告；規定服務營辦者提交服務量及服務成效標準的差異報告；以及派員到選定的服務單位進行評估探訪及實地評估。

The SPMS includes: monitoring of self-assessment of Essential Service Requirements, Service Quality Standards, Output and Outcome Standards; self-reporting on variance in the performance of Output Standards and Outcome Standards by service operators; and conducting of review visits and on-site assessment for selected service units by SWD.

How can the government solve social welfare problems?

C. Encourage self-reliance ( 自力更生 )

Support for Self-Reliance Scheme ( 自力更生支援計劃 ) Help capable recipients look for jobs

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme ( 強積金計劃 ) Help employees (僱員 ) save money for their retirement (退

休 )

It is a programme under the CSSA.

Encourage and help able-bodied (健全人士 ) CSSA recipients aged 15 to 59 to find full-time paid jobs so that they can support their lives.

The scheme has THREE main parts:Part 1:

- Active Employment Assistance Programme ( 積極就業援助計劃 )

- Integrated Employment Assistance Scheme ( 綜合就業援助計劃 )Part 2: Community Work Programme ( 就社區工作計劃 )

Part 3: Disregarded Earnings ( 豁免計算入息 )

How can the government solve social welfare problems?

D. Improve the economy ( 經濟 )

Promote economic development to provide more job opportunities for the unemployed ( 失業人士 ).

Reduce the government’s financial burden on social welfare

Build more infrastructures (公共建設 )E.g. Build and provide more public transportations, highways

Promote economic cooperation (經濟合作 ) with Mainland China and other countries

E.g. Individual Visit Scheme (自由行計劃 )

Increase the competitiveness (競爭力 ) of the service industries (服務業 ) in Hong Kong

E.g. Tourism (旅遊業 ), catering (飲食 ), commercial (商業 )……

Revision - Questions and Answers

What is the mission of the Special Investigation Section?

Answer:To inspect fraud cases of CSSA. / To prevent the abuse of resources.

How many teams are there under the Special Investigation Section? Can you name one of them?

Answer:4 teamsFraud Investigation Teams (1) and (2)Data Matching TeamTarget Investigation Team

In order to monitor the services provided by the NGOs, the Social Welfare Department have introduced which policy to ensure that they provide high-quality welfare services?

Answer:Service Performance Monitor System

What is the aim of the Support for Self-Reliance Scheme?

Answer:To help capable recipients look for jobs.

In Hong Kong, which scheme help the employees save money for their retirement?

Answer:Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme

Revision Worksheet

4. Who provide social welfare service (p.28):

(b) Non-government Organizations (NGOs)Examples:

Po Leung Kuk (保良局 )Yan Oi Tong (仁愛堂 )Caritas Hong Kong (香港明愛 )The Community Chest (公益金 )Hong Kong Council of Social Service (香港社會服務聯會 )

7. Two forms of assistance and their problems

Form of assistance Problems

Cash/Money

Opportunities for self-reliance

Carrot & Stick Competition

The winner is Chris!!!