In these troubled financial times, it's the investors who tend to get the most attention, and who people think of when financial losses come to mind.

But the social welfare sector in Hong Kong is doing what it can to raise awareness for the less fortunate who are struggling more than ever to get by.

The chief executive's policy address is tomorrow, and the sector is asking that changes be made to the city's social welfare policy.

In 1961, the government published the city's first social welfare "white paper" as a blueprint for the aid. However, the plan was last updated in 1991, and proponents for an update say it's long overdue.

Sammy Chiu, the head of the Social Work Department at Hong Kong Baptist University, pointed out that as society evolves and changes, new problems must be addressed. With that in mind, he says social welfare is badly in need of an overhaul.

"I only wish that the chief executive pledges to formulate a new social welfare white paper for the next 10 years before his term ends in 2012," Chiu said.

Ideally, he said, the paper would serve as a long-term strategy guide utilizing assistance from the Social Welfare Department non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Chiu added that the paper should include a comprehensive review of current social problems and identify the needs of people, particularly the young and elderly, and offer some direction on how to help them.

"Whenever there is problem, the government only puts more resources toward solving it. But it overlooks the underlying problem, which is the key to an effective solution," Chiu said. "The government is concerned about livelihood. It is only fair for it to introduce a new social welfare white paper after 20 years."

For the time being, he said, a timetable should to be established, and a task force needs to be set up. The Social Welfare Department and NGOs should help draft the plan, he added, hoping it will be formally announced in 2011.

But seeing as how that would still be three years away, the social welfare sector is asking that the government provide more short-term assistance, particularly in such a dire financial time.

The impact on youths

When times get tough, and the jobless rate grows, social workers point out that teenagers are among those who feel the tightest pinch when it comes to trying to hold onto their jobs.

"Most teenagers work in the service industry, which is always hit hard under a gloomy economy," said Ken Chan, the service development chief officer of the Hong Kong Council of Social Services.

And according to the Census and Statistics Department, the unemployment rate of people between 15 and 19 years old has been the most serious among all demographics in recent years.

"When the overall unemployment rate was only about 4 percent, that of teenagers was 18 to 20 percent," Chan said, adding that teens are often less motivated at work, which further hurts their chances of staying employed.

He suggested a government-run service that assigns case workers to help teens find and keep jobs.

The current government efforts are limited to job-hunting and on-the-job training, but Chan pointed out that youths also need help when they are laid off.

Allocating resources now to help a growing problem, Chan said, would act as a preventative measure and lessen the effects of a possible recession.

In addition, Chan said he would like to see counseling services in pre-primary schools supported by the government.

A recent study conducted by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services found that families with problems often seek help from principals and teachers in pre-primary schools, even though they aren't trained as counselors.

Chan proposed a trial project at several districts, where a stationed social worker would serve in two schools and provide help to families who need it - before the problems become more serious.

"The government can expand the project if it proves effective," he said.

(HK Edition 10/14/2008 page1)