PUBLIC ORDER
296
institutions and the courts. Ante-natal and post-natal care is provided within institutions for female inmates, but babies are normally delivered in public hospitals.
Psychological Services
Clinical psychologists and specially trained officers provide a wide range of counselling services for inmates with emotional difficulties, behavioural and per- sonality problems. Professional consultation is offered to courts, various review boards and institutional managements to facilitate their decision-making with regard to the treatment and management of offenders. Research projects are also regularly undertaken to better understand the characteristics and needs of offenders and to improve treatment.
Visiting Justices
Justices of the Peace, appointed by the Governor, visit penal institutions and the centres for Vietnamese migrants either fortnightly or monthly, depending on the type of institution. They investigate complaints, inspect diets and report on living and working conditions. They may also advise the Commissioner of Correctional Services on the employment of prisoners and job opportunities after release.
Inspectorate and Management Services
The Inspectorate and Management Services Division studies and monitors the efficacy and efficiency of departmental policies and the management of prison establishments. Its Inspectorate Unit monitors departmental activities through inspections, and furnishes specialist advice on all security aspects of the penal institutions. The Complaints Investigation Unit investigates complaints from prisoners, Correctional Services staff and the public in order to redress grievances. The Management Services Unit reviews standing instructions, departmental manuals, rules and regulations, and conducts management studies to meet the changing needs of the community. The Penal Record Information System Unit provides advice and supporting services to the prison establishments for the effective storage and efficient retrieval of computerised prisoner records.
After-care Services
After-care services are provided for inmates discharged from training, detention and drug addiction treatment centres, to young prisoners and to prisoners who participate in the Release Under Supervision and Pre-release Employment Schemes. The primary objective of after-care is to help offenders' 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. 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
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.