'Kung hei fat choy!': Chief Executive Donald Tsang gives a Chinese New Year gift to a single mother.

The Government will offer assistance to people in need, including single-parent families and new arrivals, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says. On a visit to Kwun Tong, he also called on those who are emotionally disturbed by family problems to seek help early.

Mr Tsang today visited two families and heard about the hardships they face. He also took the opportunity to learn more about their lives and their views of government services. 

Mr Tsang first visited a six-member family - a couple, their two young children, and the husband's mother and younger sister.

The family lived on social security until last year when the wife, who had come to Hong Kong four years ago, found a job. She then quit the social security net with her husband and children.

She told Mr Tsang that when she first arrived, she faced a lot of pressure including adjustment and financial problems, and the burden of caring for her mother-in-law, husband and children. However, she said the counselling and support services social workers provided had helped her move ahead during those difficult times.

She will continue lead a proactive life, she told the Chief Executive.

Positive attitude

"I really appreciate her positive attitude to strive for self-reliance despite the family and livelihood problems, and that she chose to work rather than continue to rely on social security. She is indeed an exemplary mother," Mr Tsang said.

Mr Tsang then visited a single mother and her young daughter.

Faced with financial difficulties, the mother has to care for her daughter who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Apart from their emotional support, social workers have catered to the family's financial, child-care and housing needs.

The mother is grateful to social workers for helping her know how to better deal with children with behavioural problems and in improving her living.

Pressure understood

Mr Tsang said he understood the pressure on a single mother having to look after a child in need of special care, and encouraged  her to adopt a positive attitude in facing the problem. 

"The Government will continue to provide resources and services to look after the developmental needs of children requiring special care," he added.

Mr Tsang commended the self-reliance and perseverance the two families demonstrated, adding they are not alone in facing problems. The Government will provide appropriate assistance to people in need and he urged those who were emotionally disturbed by family problems to seek early help.