Service for families

SERVICES for families in need are provided at three levels. At the primary level, the Social Welfare Department of Hong Kong SAR tries to prevent family problems through early identification, public education, publicity and empowerment. At the secondary level, 65 integrated family service centers and two integrated service centers offer a spectrum of preventive, supportive and remedial family services. At the tertiary level, specialized services, including crisis intervention, are available for cases of domestic or sexual violence, family crisis or custody dispute.

For children

A total of 3,676 residential places and various welfare services are provided for children and young people who need care or protection owing to family, behavioral or emotional problems. The department also works with three NGOs accredited under the Adoption Ordinance to arrange local or overseas adoption for children abandoned by their parents or whose parents are unable to support them.

For young people

The objective of welfare services for young people is to help those aged between 6 and 24 become mature, responsible and contributing members of society. NGOs provide a range of preventive, supportive and remedial services to achieve this goal.

For the elderly

The government encourages and helps elderly people to lead active and healthy lives. Various community care and support services are provided to enable them to continue living in their homes. In addition, subsidized residential care services are available for those who have long-term care needs but do not receive adequate care at home.

For disabled people

To help persons with disabilities integrate into society and fully develop their capabilities, government departments and NGOs provide a variety of rehabilitation services to meet their different needs.

For offenders

The department performs a number of statutory functions and helps offenders reintegrate into the community and become law-abiding citizens through community-based and residential services.