G. F. 323
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13.
A separate voluntary programme is operated by the Discharged Prisoners Aid Society (D.P.A.S.) which decided that as so many of its clients were addicts, it must offer treatment and rehabilitation facilities to those who wished to volunteer to receive them if its other work was to succeed. It thus began the treatment of drug addict clients in April 1965, with accommodation for 12 men. Separate provision for 10 women followed in 1967. The programme is simpler than those of the Prisons Department or S.A.R.D. A. and involves physical withdrawal followed by rehabilitation, lasting in all for three months. The Society also offers an aftercare follow up service for three years. In December 1973 both its centres moved to new accommodation at Yuen Long, the male section being expanded to take 24.
14.
The success rate of its programmes is difficult to assess, but about 10% overall is considered to be a fair estimate. This figure is lower than S.A.R.D.A.'s, for a number of reasons. Amonst them are probably that the available facilities are limited; that the period of rehabilitation is shorter; and that the majority of its clients are hardened addicts of long standing who have little motivation to resist continued drug abuse when not in a drug free atmosphere.
15.
Both S.A.R.D.A. and D.P.A.S. have received financial assistance from the Community Chest, the Lotteries Fund and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, but both principally depend upon an annual subvention from Government.
16.
Appendix 'A' shows the numbers of addicts who have been admitted to each of the treatment and rehabilitation
programmes described.
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