Policy Address

Home-based Child Care Service

75.    To help needy families take better care of their children, the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project has this month been launched on a trial basis at six locations to mobilise community organisations to provide “centre-based care” services for children under six years old.  The service operators will also train women in the districts to become “home-based child carers” and encourage them to look after their neighbours' children at home.  This will promote mutual help in the neighbourhood.  In addition, the operating hours of the services are more flexible as they are available in the evenings, and on some weekends and holidays.  This can better meet the needs of parents who have to work or attend to urgent matters away from home, and thereby reduce the risk of children having accidents while left unattended at home.  The Project will be extended to all districts by March next year.

Combating Domestic Violence

76.   We have enhanced support services and amended legislation to strengthen protection for victims of domestic violence.  In the coming year, we will build on this foundation and further reinforce direct services and support.  This includes increasing the manpower of the Family and Child Protective Services Unit and the Clinical Psychology Unit, further developing the batterer intervention programmes, enhancing support provided by refuge and crisis centres to women and children in need as well as those facing family crises, and continuing to strengthen public education.

 

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