SOCIAL WELFARE, HEALTH AND SERVICES

AUSTRALIASINGAPOREPHILIPPINES

Health care in Australiais provided by both private and government institutions. The federalMinister for Health, currentlySussan Ley, administers national health policy, elements of which (such as the operation of hospitals) are operated bystategovernments.

Australia is a high income country, and this is reflected in the good status of health of the population overall. In 2011, Australia ranked 2nd on the United Nations Development Programmes Human Development Index, indicating the level of development of a country

Australia has the fourth highest life expectancy in the world after Iceland, Japan and Hong Kong.[301]Life expectancy in Australia in 2010 was 79.5 years for males and 84.0 years for females.

Total expenditure on health (including private sector spending) is around 9.8% of GDP.

Medicareis the publicly fundeduniversal health caresystem inAustraliaand was instituted in 1984. It coexists with a private health system. Medicare is funded partly by a 1.5%Medicare levy(with exceptions for low-income earners), with the balance being provided by government from general revenue. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without privatehealth insurance.

Health care in Australia isuniversal. The federal government pays a large percentage of the cost of services in public hospitals

Health Program Initiatives:1. Medicare Australia2.ThePharmaceutical Benefits Schemeprovides subsidised medications to patients.3. National Immunisation Program Schedulethat provides many immunisations free of charge by the federal government. TheImmunise Australia Programhas increased national immunisation coverage rates and has helped reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in the community.Under the Immunise Australia Program, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) includes: provision of free vaccines to Australians; recording of immunisation coverage by theAustralian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), and community education programs and technical advice on NIP vaccines.

4. Australian Organ Donor Register, a national register which registers those who elect to be organ donors.5. Each state is responsible for the operation of public hospitals.6. Healthcare InitiativesState based projects are regularly set up to target specific problems such asbreast cancerscreening programs, indigenous youth health programs or schooldental health

Singapore has a generally efficient healthcare system, even though their health expenditures are relatively low for developed countries. TheWorld Health Organisationranks Singapore's healthcare system as 6th overall in the world in itsWorld Health Report.[204]In general, Singapore has had thelowest infant mortality rate in the worldfor the past two decades. Life expectancy in Singapore is 80 for males and 85 for females, placing the country4th in the world for life expectancy. Almost the whole population has access to improved water andsanitationfacilities.

The government's healthcare system is based upon the "3M" framework. This has three components: Medifund, which provides a safety net for those not able to otherwise afford healthcare, Medisave, a compulsory health savings scheme covering about 85% of the population, and Medishield, a government-funded health insurance program. Public hospitals in Singapore have autonomy in their management decisions, and compete for patients. A subsidy scheme exists for those on low income. In 2008, 32% of healthcare was funded by the government. It accounts for approximately 3.5% of Singapore's GDP.

Singapore has "one of the most successful healthcare systems in the world, in terms of both efficiency in financing and the results achieved in community health outcomes," according to an analysis by global consulting firmTowers Watson. The government regularly adjusts policies to actively regulate "the supply and prices of healthcare services in the country" in an attempt to keep costs in check. However, for the most part the government does not directly regulate the costs of private medical care.

The specific features of the Singapore healthcare system are unique, and have been described as a "very difficult system to replicate in many other countries." Many Singaporeans also have supplemental private health insurance (often provided by employers) for services not covered by the government's programs.

Healthcare in the country are mostly taken up by private health providers. In 2013, total expenditures on the health sector was 3.8% of GDP, below the WHO target of 5%.As of 2009, 67.1% of healthcare came from private expenditures while 32.9% was from government. External resources accounted for 2.9% of the total. Health expenditures represented about 6.1% of total government spending.

There are an estimated 90,370 physicians or 1 per every 833 people, 480,910 nurses, 43,220 dentists, and 1 hospital bed per every 769 people. Retention of skilled practitioners is a problem. 70% of nursing graduates go overseas to work. The country is the biggest supplier of nurses

Large areas of the Philippines do not have daily access to any pharmaceuticals at all.

The government health care insurance system is PhilHealth

Social Services

1. Families and ChildrenThe Department of Social Services helps to support familiesand childrenthrough programs and servicesandbenefits and payments. Further support is provided throughgrants and funding for organisations providing services for families.

The Child Support SchemeThe Child Support Scheme (the Scheme) aims to ensure that children receive an adequate level of financial support from both parents following separation. History of the Child Support SchemeThe Child Support Scheme was introduced in 1988 in response to concerns about the adequacy of court-ordered child maintenance and the difficulties that existed in the collection of maintenance in Australia.Parenting Paid Parental Leave schemeInformation on the Paid Parental Leave scheme introduced in the 2009-10 Budget. Families and Children ActivityThe Families and Children Activity (FaC) is delivered under the Families and Communities Programme and provides support to families to improve the wellbeing of children and young people to enhance family and community functioning, as well as increasing the participation of vulnerable people in community life. Intercountry AdoptionThe Prime Minister has announced that a new Intercountry Adoption Support Service will be established as soon as April 2015, to help Australian families navigate the intercountry adoption process.Family finance Commonwealth Financial Counselling (CFC)CFC provides free financial counselling services to people who are experiencing personal financial difficulties, including due to circumstances such as unemployment, sickness, credit over-commitment and family breakdown. Welfare Payments ReformThe Welfare Payments Reform framework is designed to promote positive parenting in the best interests of children.Family relationships Stronger Relationships TrialTheStronger Relationshipstrial couple registration closed on 9 February 2015. Couples who have registered forthetrial can continue to use the $200 subsidy until 30 June 2015. Applications for new service providers also closed on 9 February 2015. Recognition of same-sex relationshipsThe Government introduced wide-ranging reforms to ensure that same-sex de facto couples and their families are recognised and have the same entitlements as opposite-sex de facto couples. Apology to the Forgotten Australians and Former Child MigrantsThe Australian Government delivered a formal apology to the Forgotten Australians and former child migrants at a special remembrance event in Canberra on Monday 16 November 2009. Find and Connect services and projectsA suite of Find and Connect services and projects is being implemented through a phased approach to improve access to family tracing and support services for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. Forced Adoption PracticesThe Department is the lead agency coordinating the Australian Government response to the recommendations of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into past forced adoption policies and practices. Drought AssistanceOn 26 February 2014 the Australian Government announced a number of measures to assist communities affected by the drought.Students and Apprentices Student paymentsThe Department administers a variety of support payments and scholarships for students including Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY.

2. Benefits & PaymentsA range of benefits and payments are available for parents to help with raising children from birth to late teens and for young people when they leave home. Paid Parental Leave SchemePaid Parental Leavescheme gives working mothers the financial security to stay at home with their newborn baby or adopted child in those important first months of life. Dad and Partner PayEligible dads or partners receive two weeksDad and Partner Payat the national minimum wage so they can be at home for those very special and important first weeks with their new baby and support mums right from the start. Newborn Supplement and Newborn Upfront PaymentTheNewborn Supplement and Newborn Upfront Paymentare available for families who are eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A to help with caring for their newborn baby or adopted child, or a child aged under one year who has been entrusted into their care for a continuous period of at least 13 weeks. Stillborn Baby PaymentTheStillborn Baby Paymentprovides assistance with the extra costs associated with a stillborn child. Family Tax BenefitFamily Tax Benefitis a payment that helps with the cost of raising children. It is made up of two parts: Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B. Schoolkids BonusTheSchoolkids Bonushelps eligible families and students with the education related costs of primary and secondary school studies, such as school fees, uniforms, books and sports, music or other lessons. Transition to Independent Living AllowanceTheTransition to Independent Living Allowancesupports young people making the transition from formal out-of-home care (formal care) arrangements to independent living.

3. Programs and Services related to Housing Housing AffordabilityPrograms & services focussed on housing affordability for Australians, and information on research relating to housing affordability HomelessnessPrograms & services focussed on reducing homelessness among Australians Social Housing InitiativeMore than 19,300 new social housing dwellings will be built under the Social Housing Initiative with the assistance of the not-for-profit sector. Approximately 70,000 dwellings will benefit from the repairs and maintenance element of the Initiative. Housing Affordability FundThe Housing Affordability Fund (the Fund) is a five year, $450 million investment by the Australian Government that is helping to reduce the cost of new homes for homebuyers. National Rental Affordability SchemeThe National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) is a long term commitment by the Australian Government in partnership with the states and territories, to invest in affordable rental housing. Building Better Regional Cities ProgramThe objectives of the BBRC Program are to invest in local infrastructure projects that support an increase in the number of homes for sale and rent that are affordable for working families on ordinary incomes Housing Assistance and Homelessness PreventionThe Housing Assistance and Homelessness Prevention program provides rental subsidies for low and moderate income households, and funds homelessness prevention initiatives to reduce the impact of homelessness.

4. Programs and Services related to Seniors Financial Information ServiceIndependent, free and confidential education and information service available to everyone in the community. Available by phone, appointment and through seminars. National Information Centre on Retirement InvestmentsThe centre provides the public with information on planning and saving for retirement, and on the features of different types of investment. ASIC MoneySmartProvides information on investments and contains calculators for superannuation and retirement planning. Assets Test Changes - Older Rural HomeownersInformation about concessional asset treatment for older Australians who reside in rural and rural residential areas Working after pension ageThe Australian Government is continuing to assist older Australians to work, if they are able and wish to do so. Work BonusThe Work Bonus provides a pension income test concession for age pensioners who work. Broadband for SeniorsProvides seniors with free access to computers and broadband internet, as well as free online training and individual and workshop training Home CareA Home Care Package is a coordinated package of services tailored to meet a persons specific care needs. The package is coordinated by an approved home care provider, with funding provided by the Australian Government under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) Residential CareResidential aged care provides a range of care options and accommodation for older people who are unable to continue living independently in their own homes. Flexible CareFlexible care acknowledges that the needs of care recipients may require a different care approach than that provided through mainstream residential and home care.

5. Programs and services related to communities and vulnerable peopleCommunity Support Fair pay for social and community services workersOn 1 February 2012, Fair Work Australia made an historic decision to provide fair pay for social and community services (SACS) workers and for workers in crisis assistance and supported housing (CASH). Volunteer GrantsSupport tocommunity organisations to help their volunteers in the course of their volunteering activities. Financial Management ProgramThe Program helps people across a range of income and financial literacy levels to manage their money, overcome financial adversity, participate in their communities and plan for the medium to long term. Emergency ReliefAssistance for people in immediate financial crisis who do not have other reasonable means of support. Preparedness: business continuity and pandemic planningPreparedness includes conducting activities like business continuity planning for natural disasters, pandemics or other disruptive events. Services and informationLinks in response to frequent enquiries about community programs and services. Commonwealth Financial Counselling (CFC)A service strategy under the Australian Government's Financial Management Program.Community Development Civil SocietyCivil Society encompasses the diverse range of community services undertaken by 600,000 charities and not-for-profit organisations across Australia. National Centre for ExcellenceThe Australian Government has committed to establish an independent Civil Society National Centre for Excellence (NCE) to support the vital work of charities and not-for-profits organisations. Consultation on Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Replacement ArrangementsThroughout July and August the Department will consult with charities and civil society organisations on the proposed replacement arrangements for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC). Register of Harm Prevention CharitiesA tax incentive mechanism to assist eligible institutions. National SecretariatFinancial support for peak bodies to assist them to contribute to government policy and service delivery, and communicate government information to their memberships. Community Investment ProgramHelps Australians to participate in the community by supporting not-for-profit organisations to deliver responsive and integrated services that meet local community needs. Community Business PartnershipThe Community Business Partnership will be re-established in 201415 to promote a culture of giving and volunteering in Australia. Help for ethnic community organisationsHelpful information and links for ethnic community organisations in relation to funding, governance and setting up a new organisation.Gambling Helping Problem GamblersThe Government has committed to a national policy approach to help problem gamblers, which will consider best practice approaches to gambling policy, across all forms of gambling.

6. Disability Employment ServicesDisability Employment Services has two parts: Disability Management Serviceis for job seekers with disability, injury or health condition who need assistance to find a job and occasional support to keep a job. Employment Support Serviceprovides assistance to people with permanent disability and who need regular, ongoing support to keep a job.

The goal of social services in Singapore is to promote the well-being of people and communities. It seeks to help individuals to be self-sufficient and less dependent, and restore individuals, families or communities to successfully function in the society.1. Children, Youth and Family ServicesSocial GoalFor all children and youth-at-risk to be contributing members to society, for families-in-need to be strong and stable.

2. Mental Health ServicesAll persons with mental health issues are supported to be re-integrated into the community.Programs:1. Integration Support

Children and Youth

a.Singapore Association for Mental Health YouthReach

Adults

b.Friendship And Mind Enrichment Club

c.Singapore Anglican Community Services Community Rehabilitation and Support Services

d.SAMH Insight Centre Counselling and Support Services

e.Silver Ribbon Singapore- Tze Hng Wellness Studio

2. Training and Employment

f.SACS Employment Support Services

3. Day Activity Centre

g.SAMH Oasis Day Centre

4. Homes and Hostels

5. Dementia Day Care Centres

Safe Return Card

The Safe Return Card helps persons with dementia and their family members by serving as a means of identification if they lose their way.

6. Caregiver Support

k.Alzheimers Disease Association Specialised Caregiver Support Service (Dementia)Alzheimers Disease Association aims to support caregivers of persons with dementia through a variety of services, such as helpline, information and referral, counselling, support groups and training. It also aims to raise awareness about dementia caregiving.

l.Caregivers Alliance Limited Caregivers-to-Caregivers Education ProgrammeCaregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) Caregivers-to-Caregivers Education Programme provides caregivers with in-depth knowledge about mental illness and the best way to provide care for PMIs. Caregivers also learn how to take care of themselves, receive emotional support and be empowered in their caregiving journey.

m.CAL Caregivers Support CentreTo support caregivers of PMIs, CAL has established a Caregiver Support Centre at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). The centre is manned by mental health professionals and caregiver support specialists, who will reach out to caregivers, provide information and offer referral and counselling services for the caregivers.

Available Resources:An introductory guide for caregivers and families of people with mental illness by Caregivers Association of the Mentally Ill can be found below:

7. Suicide Intervention and Management

n.Samaritans of SingaporeThe Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) provides confidential 24-hour emotional support by trained volunteers to people in crisis, thinking of suicide or affected by suicide. SOS also runs the 'Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors' programme, which is an outreach programme to provide emotional support to survivors bereaved by the suicide death of a loved one.

8. Addictions Recovery

o.WE CARE Community Services 'Understanding Substance & Behavioural Addictions' ProgrammeThe 'Understanding Substance & Behavioural Addictions (USBA)' programme is a one-day educational programme that targets individuals and families with members who are struggling with all forms of addiction issues. USBA aims to provide individuals and their families with an understanding on addictions, help them learn coping strategies and relapse prevention as well as to keep them informed on available resources. Following this programme, participants who wish to seek further treatment would be referred to WE CARE Community Services for consultation and treatment.

Safe Return Card - The Safe Return Card helps persons with dementia and their family members by serving as a means of identification if they lose their way

3. Children with DisabilitiesChildren have opportunities to maximise their potential regardless of abilitiesPrograms:a.Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children

Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) offers a range of services to children below the age of six diagnosed with special needs or developmental delays, and their families. EIPIC focuses on developing a child's skills in areas of language and communication, social interaction and behaviour, perception and cognition, gross and fine motor, and self-help skills. Parent support and training are also provided.b.Special Education Schools

Special education schoolsoffer a range of specialised programmes to meet the education and intervention needs of children with autism, intellectual, sensory and multiple disabilities. Some special schools teach mainstream school curriculum while others emphasise areas such as self-help skills, functional academic skills, pre-vocational skills and daily living skills. In addition to education, special education schools also provide therapy, parent support and training services.c.The Singapore Association for the Deaf Community Integration Support for the Hearing Impaired-Itinerant Support Service

The programme serves persons with hearing impairment through imparting appropriate skills to adjust to the demands in mainstream education and meet their developmental milestones.d.Asian Womens Welfare Association Therapy and Educational Assistance for Children in Mainstream Educational (TEACH ME) Services

The Asian Womens Welfare Association's (AWWA) TEACH ME programme serves persons with disabilities by imparting appropriate skills to adjust to the demands in mainstream education and meet their developmental milestones.e.NTUC Income OrangeAid - SPD Continuing Therapy Programme

The programme funded by NCSS provides centre-based therapy service for children with developmental delays who attend mainstream schools (from primary to secondary level). This programme supports the integration of children with developmental delays into mainstream schools through occupational and speech therapy.f.Riding for the Disabled Association, Singapore's Therapeutic Horse Riding Programme

The programme provides therapeutic horse-riding lessons for children with special needs that results in indirect benefits of improved motor skills, self-esteem and confidence for the children. Riders with potential are groomed for international equestrian competitions.g.Very Special Arts

The objective of the programme is to maximise the enriching benefits of the arts for people with disabilities, provide equal opportunities for integration into mainstream activities and enable them to secure financial independence through the arts. Some clients are able to earn an income from the sale of their arts products.h.Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore Therapy Rehabilitation Programme

The aim of proving therapy rehabilitation services for clients who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, related disabilities or developmental disabilities is to improve or maintain their functional status and minimise the development of secondary disabilities though support services for the clients and their families.i.iC2 PrepHouse

iC2 PrepHouse aims to help parents and families of children to understand and cope with the needs of children with visual impairment. iC2 Prephouse offers counselling, assessments and guidance from trained professionals such as vision teachers, orientation and mobility instructors. The programme is targeted for children and youth with visual impairments from birth to tertiary education.j.Temasek Cares Integration Support Programme for Preschoolers with Autism

Temasek Cares Integration Support Programme for Preschoolers with Autism (TC - ISPPA) aims to help children with mild autism to attain skills to integrate into mainstream pre-school centres, thereby, easing their transition and integration into mainstream primary schools. AWWA and Rainbow Centre, Singapore are implementing this two year pilot programme. TC ISPPA is administered by NCSS and supported with a grant from Temasek Cares.

4. Adult with DisabilitiesPrograms:a. Community Integration Support Programme for People with Visual Impairmentb. The Singapore Association for the Deafc. Movement of the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore Youth Groupd. Singapore Red Cross Non-Emergency Ambulance Servicee. Singapore Association of the Visually Handicappedf. Emergency Short Messaging Serviceg. etc.

5. Elder CarePrograms:a. Caregiver Support Servicesb. Community Homec. Day Care Centres for Seniorsd. Home Caree. Nursing Homesf. etc

1. Center Based Social ServicesServices rendered in facilities referred to as centers on a daily basis or during part of the day. Clients of these facilities have families to return to after treatment or after undergoing developmental activities.

Programs:a. For Women: INA Healing Center A facility that provides psychosocial support to bereaved mothers through programs and projects aimed at helping them manage their grief and empower them to reach out to other grieving mothers

b. For People with Disabilities: Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop (RSW) A facility that provides vocational/social rehabilitation and skills training to persons with disabilities and other special groups for socio-economic independence andproductivity.

2. Community Based Social ServicesPrograms:a. For Families/Communities: TheSustainable Livelihood ProgramorSLPis a community-based capacity-building program aimed at improving the socio-economic status of its participants. It operates on a two-track system, in which participants are given the option to take either the (a)Micro-enterprise Development trackor the (b)Employment Facilitation trackafter participating in social preparation and capacity-building workshops to be conducted by the project development officers from different regions.

b. For Persons with Disabilities: Sheltered Workshop for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)A community-based facility that provides livelihood training and productive employment to PWDs to help them earn income. This involves producing and selling goods or services for income or profit.

c. For Women: Services for Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances Provision of community-based and residential-care services to women to enable them to resolve their problems as well as prepare them for their eventual return to their families and communities.

d. For Children and YouthChild Protective Services Preventive and rehabilitation services provided to children victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. These include provision of immediate intervention for childrens early recovery and reintegration to their families.

Therapy Services for Abused Children Therapeutic interventions and approaches provided to children to overcome the negative effects of abuse. These aim to maximize their potentials towards living a normal and productive life.

Alternative Family Care This provides permanent or temporary family care arrangement to children whose parents are unable to provide for their basic needs, temporarily or permanently. This is provided to a child in three ways:Adoption A socio-legal process of providing a permanent family to a child whose parents have voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished parental authority over the child. The framework for the implementation of the domestic adoption is based on the provisions of Republic Act 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998.Foster Family Care The provision of a planned substitute parental care for a child by a licensed foster family when the biological parents cannot care for her/ him.Legal Guardianship Granting of sole and absolute legal guardianship, parental authority or legal custody over the child to a parent/person by the Court. This applies in situations where the parents are legally separated, divorced or have had their marriage annulled.

3. Residential Care

4. Reintegration Program for Deportees and Returning Undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).This is the provision of integrated services to deportees and returning undocumented OFWs to alleviate their anxiety and ease the adverse effects of repatriation, deportation and unemployment upon their return to the Philippines.

5. SWD Technologies for Families/CommunitiesFamily Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP) A community-based program that educates and prepares families and the communities on the adverse effects of drug abuse. It involves the promotion of family life enrichment activities to enhance cohesiveness, bonding and harmonious relationship among family members. It also equips the families with parenting and life skills towards a drug free home.

6. SWD Technologies for Older Persons/PWDsIntergenerational Program A program that responds to the physical, social and psychological needs of older persons while addressing the generation gap between the young and old. Services of the program include the following:1.Day Care Service for Children2.Child Minding Service3.Day Care Service for Special Children4.Day Services for Older Persons5.Volunteer Development Services

Group Home for Older Persons A community-based alternative living arrangement to institutional care. It is provided to a group of 6 to 8 Ops, to enable them to experience independent group living within a home life atmosphere under the supervision of a social worker either from the Local Government Units (LGUs), other Government Organization (GO) or Non Government Organizations (NGO). Foster Home Program for Older Persons\Persons with Disabilities The provision of a planned temporary substitute family care for older persons and persons with disabilities who are abandoned, neglected, unattached from the community and those on custodial care in residential care facilities.

7. Assistance to Crisis Situation

8. 4Ps