XN000022-1978-02-10 — Page 3

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1978

HE SAID THAT, IN RESPECT OF ORDERS CURRENTLY IN FORCE, THE PRESENT AGE LIMIT OF 16 WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR BOYS, BUT FOR A GIRL AN ORDER WOULD CEASE WHEN SHE REACHED THE AGE OF 18.

THE BILL ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION EMPOWERING A JUVENILE COURT TO INCLUDE IN SUPERVISION ORDERS REQUIREMENTS AS TO RESIDENCE OR MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE MENTAL CONDITION OF THE SUPERVISED PERSON. THERE IS ALSO A SECTION REQUIRING A SUPERVISOR TO ADVISE, ASSIST AND BEFRIEND A SUPERVISED PERSON, AND ANOTHER SECTION PROVIDING FOR A SUPERVISED PERSON TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE A JUVENILE COURT FOR CONTRAVENING A SUPERVISION ORDER.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO MAKE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AS THE GUARDIAN OF A FEMALE INFANT WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF A CHINESE CUSTOMARY ADOPTION, SUCH ADOPTIONS CEASED TO BE LEGAL

IN HONG KONG SINCE 1972.

ANOTHER NEW SECTION IN THE BILL ENABLES A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON TO BE TAKEN TO A PLACE OF REFUGE AND KEPT THERE UNTIL HE IS BROUGHT BEFORE A JUVENILE COURT. A JUVENILE COURT MAY ORDER DETENTION FOR 28 DAYS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE OR EXTEND IT TO A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 56 DAYS. THIS SECTION ALSO PROVIDES THAT PARENTAL CONTROL OVER A PERSON DETAINED IN A PLACE OF REFUGE SHOULD BE EXERCISED BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE.

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