SOCIAL WELFARE
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same basis, the vocational training given is mainly in domestic work.
Adult offenders constitute about 30% of the cases handled by the Probation Section. The majority of them are referred for inquiries into home background and circumstances; but some are sent for assistance and a few for supervision under a form of recognizance. Legislation to provide for adult probation is under consideration, and in view of expected increase in work and greater demands on the staff, a pro- gramme of in-service training has been organized for three assistant probation officers recruited recently. Aid to discharged prisoners has been undertaken since 1951, by the Salvation Army for men and by the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society for women. In addition to relief in cash and kind, advice and assistance to get a new start in life are given to those who need help.
Youth Organizations
There are 97 youth clubs in operation, with a total membership of 4,000, either run directly by, or affiliated to, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association. The 21 clubs established by the Social Welfare Office are among those affiliated. Activities include games, inter-club competitions, visits to places of interest, physical training, and instruction in handicrafts and simple reading and writing. In June, a collection of paintings, the work of club members, was exhibited under the sponsorship of the British Council, and in November a 3-day Boys' and Girls' Clubs Exhibition, in which over 50 clubs participated, was visited by 10,000 spectators. An important purpose of the club movement is to cultivate in the members a spirit of service to the community. The creation of 3 Boy Scout Troops, 3 Girl Guide Companies, a Brownie Pack and a Cub Pack among club children has strengthened this trend. Expansion is being directed toward the establishment of senior clubs (for children in the 16-18 age group) and extension of activities to Resettlement Areas. Six rooftop clubs were opened in the Tai Hang Tung and Li Cheng Uk Resettlement Areas, and two in the Chuk Yuen Resettlement Area (in the Recreation Centre built by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.)
In addition to their 12 children's libraries already operating in various districts, the Junior Chamber of Commerce handed over to the Social Welfare Office in March