PUBLIC ORDER
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London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Hong Kong Examinations Authority. Young inmates are permitted to sit for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination as school candidates, and formal classes up to certificate level are provided for them, while adult inmates can sit for the examination as private candidates. Some offenders, mostly adults, have also participated in degree courses offered by the local Open Learning Institute and other academic institutes.
A wide spectrum of vocational training programmes is provided to help young inmates acquire employable skills, develop good working habits and obtain qualifications for further training. Upon their discharge, they may be referred to other vocational training organisations, such as the Vocational Training Council, the Construction Industry Training Authority and the Clothing Industry Training Authority, to further their training.
Medical Services
All institutions have their own medical units providing basic treatment and health and dental care, including radiodiagnostic and pathological examinations and prophylactic inoculations. Inmates requiring specialist treatment are either referred to a visiting consultant or to specialist clinics in public hospitals. Those requiring hospitalisation are usually kept in custodial wards at Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals, under the charge of correctional services officers. Although HIV infection and AIDS are not a problem among the penal population, the department is committed to a programme of education and prevention.
The Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre treats prisoners with mental health problems and offers psychiatric consultations and assessments for inmates referred by other institutions and the courts.
Ante-natal and post-natal care is provided within institutions for female inmates, but babies are normally delivered in public hospitals.
Psychological Services
Clinical psychologists and specially-trained officers provide a wide range of counselling services for inmates with emotional difficulties, and behavioural and personality problems. Professional consultation is offered to courts, various review boards and institutional managements to facilitate their decision-making with regard to the disposal, treatment and management of offenders. Research projects are also regularly undertaken to improve treatment programmes and reduce recidivism.
Visiting Justices
Justices of the Peace, appointed by the Governor, visit penal institutions and the centres for Vietnamese migrants, either fortnightly or monthly depending on the type of institution. They investigate complaints, inspect diets and report on living and working conditions. They may also advise the Commissioner of Correctional Services on the employment of prisoners and job opportunities after release.
Inspectorate and Management Services
The Inspectorate and Management Services Division studies the efficacy and efficiency of departmental policies and the management of prison establishments, to optimise the level and quality of services provided. The division comprises three units, tasked with the