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Detention Centres

PUBLIC ORDER

These centres are another alternative for the courts to consider in dealing with offenders aged between 14 and 21. Basically deterrent in nature, the programme is designed to provide a rigorous and demanding routine while providing positive training. The sentence runs from a minimum of one month to a maximum of six months depending on the detainee's progress and other factors, the average stay being four months, followed by a compulsory period of six months supervision under an aftercare officer. Aimed at the young criminal who has never experienced institutional life, emphasis is placed on strict discipline and hard work with few privileges. This type of centre has been in operation for two years, and results so far are most encouraging. Sha Tsui Detention Centre on Lantau Island, caters for the age group usually 18 to 21. Tong Fuk Detention Centre also on Lantau Island, caters for the younger age group usually 14 to 17 years.

Addiction Treatment Centres

If a convicted prisoner is found to be drug dependant the treatment centres can, if the person is suitable, be an alternative to imprisonment. The period of treatment is from six to 18 months depending on the inmate's progress and other factors, fol- lowed by a compulsory period of 12 months supervision under an aftercare officer. The majority of inmates respond to the treatment and the programme of the centre and there is usually a rapid improvement in their well-being and physique. The centres are run on open lines and the work carried out by the inmates is usually of a construc- tive nature, often in community work for the benefit of the local population. Compre- hensive medical and psychological treatment aided by individual and group counselling are all part of the programme. The New Life House is a half-way house which helps to span the gap between institutional life and society.

Tai Lam Drug Addiction Treatment Centre, near Castle Peak, caters mostly for the first offender. Ma Po Ping Drug Addiction Treatment Centre on Lantau Island, caters mostly for the recidivist.

Aftercare

نما

Aftercare, specifically provided under the Training, Detention and Treatment Centres Ordinance, is carried out by officers of the Prisons Department and plays an important role in the rehabilitation of ex-inmates. Aftercare work starts soon after an inmate is admitted to a centre when mutual trust and respect is fostered between the case worker and his client. The aftercare officer provides advice and assistance to the former inmates and his family and if necessary makes recommendations for the inmates recall to further training or treatment.

Staff

All newly recruited staff undergo a 12-month training programme at the Staff Training Institute at Stanley and in the field, with specialised training for certain types of institution. The training is comprehensive in both theory and practice and