(c)
· 17-
The project has been endorsed by the Action Committee Against Narcotics and approved for funding by the Community Chest. The proposed centre will provide an in-patient treatment facility for young male drug abusers under the age of 25, with an initial capacity of 20 beds, to be progressively increased to 30 over a period of three years. Once admitted, a patient will undergo a programme of detoxification and counselling by a team of medical, nursing and social work staff. The residential treatment and rehabilitation programme takes eight weeks, On during which time the family of a patient will be involved. completion of the residential programme, the patient will be discharged from the centre and transferred to an aftercare programme in one of SARDA's three regional centres.
Since the participation and support of the families of young drug abusers is considered important in helping to encourage them turn over a new leaf, it is essential that the proposed centre should not be located in areas too remote from the community. On the other hand, care will be taken not to set up the centre in a densely populated area. As regards the requirements of the centre, apart from adequate space to provide the necessary facilities and accommodation, some open space within the centre is needed to enable activities to be organised for the young patients during their stay there.
No firm decision has been taken on precisely where the centre should be located, although a number of sites, including the vacant premises of a disused school in Yuen Long, have been examined. The relevant District Board will be consulted in due course.
End/Wednesday, March 22, 1995
Water seepage problems
Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau Wai-hing and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the frequent complaints by residents of public housing estates about water seepage problems in their flats, will the Government inform this Council: