Social Welfare 215
Services for Offenders
The SWD performs a number of statutory functions and provides community- based and residential services to help people who have committed crimes reintegrate into the community and become law-abiding citizens.
The probation service helped 5 720 offenders during the year. Probation officers assess and report to the courts on an offender's 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 for early release.
Based on the recommendation of the Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse, the Pilot Project on Enhanced Probation Service has been introduced at the two probation offices serving Kowloon City and Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts since October 2009 to provide more focused, structured and intensive treatment programmes for convicted young drug offenders aged below 21.
During 2011, a total of 2 854 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, run jointly by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) and SWD, provides the courts with professional views on sentencing options for offenders aged 14 to below 25. The Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Scheme, another joint service of SWD and CSD, assisted 816 discharged prisoners during their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community in 2011. SWD provides funding to an NGO to offer hostel and supportive services to ex-offenders.
Services for Young People
The objective of welfare services for young people is to help those aged between 6 and 24 become mature, responsible and contributing members of society. A range of preventive, supportive and remedial services are provided by NGOs to achieve this goal.
Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres
At year-end, there were 137 Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres (ICYSCs). These centres provide 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 package funded by the Lotteries Fund, a total of 74 youth service units and community centres were provided with funding to upgrade their premises and facilities.
Outreaching Services
A total of 16 district youth outreaching social work teams provide services to high-risk youths and deal with juvenile gang issues. A total of 18 designated ICYSCS
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