PUBLIC ORDER
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Young Offender Assessment Panel
The Young Offender Assessment Panel, comprising representatives from the CSD and the Social Welfare Department, makes recommendations to magistrates and judges on the most appropriate rehabilitation programmes for young male offenders aged between 14 and 24 and females aged 14 to 20. In 2000, the panel received a total of 499 referrals from judges and magistrates and 87 per cent of its recommendations were accepted.
Training Centres and Detention Centre
Training centres provide correctional training for young offenders for periods ranging from a minimum of six months to a maximum of three years. These offenders attend half-day educational classes and receive half-day vocational training. They also receive character development training in the form of scouting or guiding, Hong Kong Award for Young People activities and Outward Bound training. On Sundays and public holidays, visits are made to youth centres, factories, sports centres and country parks. Activities to provide social service for the elderly, the mentally and physically handicapped are arranged for inmates nearing discharge to better prepare them for reintegration into society. To help inmates gain family support, newsletters and booklets are published, and a parent-inmate centre established at the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution had began full operation in early 1999. Upon release, inmates must have suitable employment, education or vocational training and are subject to a statutory period of supervision of three years.
An effective detention centre programme is carried out at Sha Tsui Detention Centre for young male offenders aged between 14 and 20, and young male adults aged between 21 and 24. It emphasises strict discipline, strenuous training, hard work and a vigorous routine. After release, detainees are subject to a statutory supervision period of one year.
To provide an additional sentencing option for the courts in dealing with young offenders, the department is also developing a new short-term residential rehabilitation programme to be known as the Rehabilitation Centres programme. New legislation on this was reintroduced into the Legislative Council in October.
Education
Inmates aged under 21 are required to attend educational classes conducted by qualified teachers. Following a review in 1998 additional resources were provided to enhance the programmes. For education classes, textbooks approved by the Education Department and supplemented by those compiled by the CSD are used. To match the development of inmates at different levels and ages, the courses emphasise practical learning materials. Adult inmates may attend voluntary evening classes. Self-study packages and distance learning courses including degree courses offered by local and overseas academic institutes are also available.
All inmates are encouraged to take part in both local and overseas public examinations organised by the Hong Kong Examinations Authority as well as other local and overseas authorities. Young inmates may attend formal classes up to certificate level and sit for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination as school candidates. Adult inmates may sit for the examination as private candidates. Inmates may obtain accreditation by way of public examinations held by the City and Guilds International, Pitman or the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.