Childcare demand monitored

November 13, 2013

The Social Welfare Department will continue to monitor demand for childcare services, and will consider re-allocating resources and increasing places and subsidies, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.
 
Mr Cheung told lawmakers today new standalone childcare centres for districts in need and existing centres' expansion may be considered, subject to requirements under the Child Care Services Ordinance.
 
The department currently subsidises non-governmental organisations’ childcare services for children under six, including standalone centres, to support working parents and others unable to take care of their children temporarily.
 
The Government has also promoted non-institutional childcare services, he said, such as the Neighborhood Support Child Care Project covering all 18 districts as of 2011, providing flexible and convenient services to parents.
 
The department monitors childcare services’ operation, he said, adding there is still unused quota for childcare services in general.
 
Mr Cheung said the department provides waivers or subsidies to ensure low-income families can afford such services, and families with children get higher standard rates under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme.
 
The scheme also provides special grants to pay for childcare services, he said.
 
The Steering Committee on Population Policy has also released its consultation document to seek views on issues such as how to help women balance work and family, he added.