MARINE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY
ably controlled and disciplined atmosphere. This programme includes a normal school curriculum, pre-vocational and trade training classes, group discussions, scouting activities, sports and recreational activities, all of which are geared towards character training and social adjustment. During the year there were 167 admissions to and 141 discharges from the two reformatory schools and 136 boys were discharged on licence after a minimum of one year's stay at the home.
After-care programme
42. When a youngster is released from a reformatory school he needs help to fit into normal community life. How he is received at home by his family and friends, whether he is able to find a suitable job, or whether he can adjust to new surroundings and friends may determine whether or not he will lapse back into delinquency. An after care officer of the department, in consultation with the superintendents and caseworkers of these institutions, prepares for the final and in many cases the most crucial stage in the rehabilitation process in the treatment of delinquent children. The period of after-care varies from one to two years according to individual needs. Supervision of their progress during this period is the responsibility of the after-care officer. Details of the number and age groups of boys being supervised after discharge from reformatory schools is at Table IV of Appendix 7.
43. The Begonia Road Boys' Home, a multi-purpose institution, is extensively used and is frequently full to its capacity of 160. Not only does it take in boys who have been arrested or remanded, or who have been committed for a maximum of six months' detention under the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance, Cap 226, but it also serves as a Home for boys on probation whom the court may order to reside at a stated place, usually because their own homes are so unsatisfactory that supervision alone might not succeed. This means that on the remand side there has to be security without a prison-like atmosphere whereas on the proba- tion side a semi-disciplined programme of social adjustment is followed in conditions which are made as 'open' as possible.
44. The Ma Tau Wai Girls' Home which has a capacity of 45 is a multi-purpose institution serving a similar function to that of the Begonia Road Boys' Home. The Home also provides residential treat- ment for girls who are placed on probation with a special condition of residence for a period not more than one year. In addition it is used as a place of refuge under the Women and Juvenile Ordinance Chapter 213 for girls who, while having behaviour problems, are not necessarily
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