Policy Address

Support for the Disadvantaged

Families and Children Most in Need of Support

125.     The Government will increase the number of professional social workers in Integrated Family Service Centres and Integrated Services Centres to provide early identification and intervention and strengthen the support for families and children who are vulnerable to domestic violence and have other welfare needs, at-risk pregnant women, mothers with postnatal depression, and children with developmental problems and their family members.  We will also increase the number of residential places in small group homes to provide temporary accommodation and emotional support for children and young people who have been abused or affected by domestic violence or other family problems.

Mental Patients and Ex-mentally Ill Persons

126.     We will enhance support in four aspects for mental patients based on the preliminary recommendation of the Review Committee on Mental Health:

1. Increase the number of psychiatric beds in Siu Lam Hospital, with a view to clearing up cases of severe intellectual disability on the waiting list in the coming three years;
   
2. Strengthen the manpower of the psychiatric healthcare team and introduce peer support to the Case Management Programme for patients with severe mental illness.  In addition, the Social Welfare Department will explore the implementation of a pilot project under the Lotteries Fund for trained ex-mentally ill persons to serve as peer supporters to provide support and encouragement for others in rehabilitation;
   
3. Launch territory-wide public education and publicity campaigns; and
   
4. Increase the manpower of social workers in all Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness and provide them with appropriate training.

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