196 | Social Welfare
The probation service helped 6 185 offenders during the year. Probation officers assess and report to the courts on the offenders' suitability for probation orders, and render supervision to those under the orders. The officers also prepare reports on long-term prisoners and petitioners for consideration of early release.
During the year, 3 307 people aged 14 or above who were convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment were placed on Community Service Orders. They were required to perform unpaid community work arranged and supervised by SWD officers. The Tuen Mun Children and Juvenile Home, with 388 places, provides educational, pre-vocational and character training to juvenile offenders as well as children and young people with behavioural and/or family problems.
The Young Offender Assessment Panel, jointly run by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the SWD, provides the courts with professional views on sentencing options for offenders aged 14 to 25. The Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Scheme, another joint service of the SWD and the CSD, assisted 444 discharged prisoners during their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community in 2008. The Government provides funding to an NGO to offer hostel and supportive services to ex-offenders.
Services for Young People
The aim of welfare services for young people is to help those aged between six and 24 become mature, responsible and contributing members of society. A range of preventive, supportive and remedial services is provided by NGOs to achieve the goal.
Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres
At year-end, there were 135 Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres (ICYSCs) providing centre-based services, outreach social work services and school social work services to address the developmental needs of young people in an integrated and holistic manner. Under a modernisation programme jointly funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Lotteries Fund, a total of 82 ICYSCs were provided with funding to modernise their premises and acquire modern furniture and equipment that better cater to the needs of today's young people. At year-end, 78 ICYSCS completed their modernisation.
Outreaching Services
Sixteen District Youth Outreaching Social Work Teams provide services to high- risk youths and deal with juvenile gang issues. Eighteen designated ICYSCs also provide overnight outreaching service to help young night drifters get back on the right track.
Services for Juvenile Delinquents
The Community Support Service Scheme (CSSS) assists young people who have broken the law or are under the Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme to avoid breaking the law again. Six CSSS teams, one operated by the SWD and five by NGOs, provide services to these young people.