whoa dudes. I not pro gahmen but in this case really gotta say
some of you lack balance in your opinions.
i previously worked as a temp at one of the MCYS community
development centres. and i handled data processing for these kinda
social worker case.
suffice to say, it works both ways. sometimes its the problem
with the individual sometimes within the system
system problems :
1) welfare scheme YES, complicated, confusing and multiple
schemes YES. public awareness of schemes POOR
to top things off, social workers are overworked and handle a
huge mulitude of cases per individual. how to provide quality care
and concern when they are outnumbered and overworked ?
2) abuse of system :
i m not saying this old man is an abuser of the system but do
observe that, he get P.A (criteria 65 and above, proven medical
disability / condition that impairs him from working and no known
support group, i.e relatives or friends)
and he gets offered a Job. but what happens ? he complains about
it and the transport fare ?
he dosent make mention of the fact that there are schemes like
PAYU and utilities and town council conservancy fees waiver
arranged by social workers.
3) government policy :
from my experience working and temping there and government
rhethoric, it is my humble opinion that government dosent want to
move towards a welfare model.
the bedrock behind the government's stance and policy still lies
with community and family help. government action should only occur
in the case where the individual involved has no family , cannot be
helped by community then the government step in.
it is a final safety net. not a welfare state. i know i m
probably going to get flamed for saying this but most people cannot
differentiate between them and see the government's intent.
which is to actually create a system where people rely on their
own initiative. i.e you dont have money, u need a job, you look for
a job, government agencies help you find, pay for education and
training and give you a small amount to help you while you find a
job.
it is not meant to replicate social welfare systems like in
europe where you get single parent benefits, unemployment benefits
and social security. we wont have that. we probably cant afford
that.
while i'm not fond of the idea of a welfare state, i really do
hope someone does something about situations like these. maybe at
least make sure they get basic necessities instead of money?
