ENG-1994 — Page 387

PUBLIC ORDER

of after-care is to assist offenders in their rehabilitation and re-integration to the community. It also plays an essential role in fostering in them a determination to lead an industrious and law-abiding life upon discharge.

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After-care services commence immediately after the admission of an inmate to an institution, or when a prisoner has been approved to participate in the Release Under Supervision Scheme or Pre-release Employment Scheme. Each inmate is assigned an after- care officer, who will provide him with appropriate support and guidance, enabling him to adapt to the institutional programme and to prepare him for subsequent discharge. A sound relationship between the inmate, his family and the after-care officer is fostered, to help the inmate overcome obstacles to rehabilitation.

Inmates are assisted, through individual and group counselling, to gain a better insight into problems arising from their personal and social inadequacies. They are helped to become better prepared to cope with the difficulties they will face upon release.

The after-care officer maintains regular contacts with ex-inmates during their statutory supervision periods, to ensure that they settle well in the community and that the conditions of the supervision orders are complied with. Any breach of supervision conditions may result in the person being recalled for a further period of training or treatment.

Under the provisions of the Prisoners (Release under Supervision) Ordinance, prisoners, other than those serving life sentences or subject to deportation upon discharge, who have served not less than half or 20 months (whichever period is the longer) of a sentence of three years or more may apply to join the Release Under Supervision Scheme for the remaining portion of their sentences. Those who are serving sentences of two years or more and are within six months of completing their sentences, after taking into consideration remission, may apply to join the Pre-release Employment Scheme. Following approval by the Release Under Supervision Board, successful applicants are discharged or permitted to go out to work and reside in a designated hostel, under the supervision of after-care officers, for the balance of their sentences. The aim of the scheme is to enable suitable, eligible and motivated prisoners to serve their sentences in an open environment under close supervision. Prisoners who breach supervision conditions may be recalled to serve the remainder of their sentences or may be charged in court with a breach of the supervision order.

The success of the after-care programmes is measured by the percentage of ex-prisoners who complete supervision without re-conviction and, where applicable, remain drug-free. The annual success rates for 1994 were 90 per cent for detention centre inmates, 65 per cent for male training centre inmates, 86 per cent for female training centre inmates, 77 per cent for young male prisoners, 100 per cent for young female prisoners, 59 per cent for male drug addiction treatment centre inmates, 71 per cent for female drug addiction treatment centre inmates, 100 per cent for the Release Under Supervision Scheme and 100 per cent for the Pre-release Employment Scheme.

Correctional Services Industries

Correctional Services industries aim to keep prisoners and inmates gainfully employed, reducing the risk of unrest through boredom and lack of constructive activities. The industries also help to reduce government expenditure by providing products and services to government departments and public organisations.

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