and probation home) at Yau Yat Tsuen, Kowloon; the similar multi- purpose Ma Tau Wai Girls' Home; and a hostel for boys and young men aged between 16-24 years at Kwun Tong. Although there are many fewer girls than boys whom the courts judged to be in need of residential training, such girls often need much individual attention; the Ma Tau Wai Girls' Home which has a capacity of 45 provides an addition to the previous alternatives of a probation order, which may be ineffective if there are no conditions of residence and training attached, or on the other hand the rigours of imprisonment. The probation hostel for 60 young male offenders at Kwun Tong was opened in September 1966. This is an entirely 'open' institution with no element of detention. In view of this and the fact that it is normally expected that residents will be out at work, entry to this hostel is particularly carefully con- trolled. The principal objects of this hostel are to provide a simple routine of living in a secure and well-regulated atmosphere, some supervised, but not over-organized, leisure time occupation; and generally advice and guidance in growing up, particularly in regard to the proper use of money and budgeting. Boys are admitted when their home environment is prejudicial to their improvement; when their relationships with their parents or relatives are bad; when they have no home; when they have personal problems of immaturity, anti- social behaviour or inability to get on with others; and generally when the less continuous contact and supervision provided by a probation officer are thought to be insufficient. These young men are expected normally to be at work and earning. Another new reformatory school building at O Pui Shan, Kau Wa Keng has been completed and it was expected that services would be provided for a younger age group of those 14 and below before long.
46. The Castle Peak Boys' Home has places for a maximum of 150 boys and this year accommodated an overall average of 120. The accommodation includes a new vocational training block of 5 work- shops. The curriculum includes electrical and radio repairs and a light mechanics course. The educational section benefits by attendance of welfare supervisors at in-service training courses run by the Education Department, and classroom training complements social activities and pure recreation-all with the intent of strengthening character and adjustment to at least reasonable conformity with the demands of the society to which the boys will return.
47. Under existing law a boy can be committed for a maximum period of five years' training, or until he is 18, whichever is the sooner.
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