ENG-2003 — Page 408

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family relationship. Upon release, inmates must have suitable employment, education. or vocational training and are subject to a statutory period of supervision of three years.

The detention centre programme is carried out at the Sha Tsui Detention Centre for young male offenders aged between 14 and 20, and young male adults aged between 21 and 24. It emphasises strict discipline, strenuous training, hard work and a vigorous routine. After release, detainees are subject to a statutory supervision period of one year.

In operation since July 2002, the rehabilitation centres provide an additional sentencing option for the courts to deal with young offenders aged between 14 and 20, and in need of a short-term residential rehabilitation programme. The programme consists of two phases with a total period of detention ranging from three to nine months. The first phase of the programme provides two to five months' training in a correctional institution. It focuses on discipline training with the aim of helping the young offenders learn to exercise better self-control and develop a regular living pattern through half-day basic work skills training and half-day educational/ counselling programmes. During the second phase of the programme, young offenders are accommodated in an institution with a halfway house setting for a period of one to four months. They may go out for work, attend vocational training and educational courses, and participate in community service programmes. Discharged young offenders are subject to a statutory period of supervision of one year.

An Enhanced Reintegration Programme, providing full-time voluntary vocational training for male prisoners aged between 21 and 24, was introduced in September. It aims at broadening the knowledge on work skills of those prisoners with at least junior secondary education. By year-end, 10 inmates were enrolled in this programme.

Education

Inmates aged under 21 are required to attend educational classes conducted by qualified teachers. Textbooks approved by the Education and Manpower Bureau and supplementary materials compiled by the CSD are used. To match the development of inmates at different levels and ages, a wide spectrum of curricula is offered. Guidance is provided to adult inmates who participate in educational studies on a voluntary basis. Self-study packages and distance learning courses, including degree courses offered by local and overseas academic institutes, are also available.

All inmates are encouraged to take part in both local and overseas public examinations organised by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority as well as other local and overseas authorities. Young inmates may attend formal classes up to certificate level and sit for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination as school candidates. Adult inmates may sit for the examination as private candidates. Inmates may obtain accreditation by way of public examinations held by the Pitman Qualifications or the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examination Board.

A Prisoners' Education Trust Fund, set up with charitable donations in 1995, provides financial assistance to prisoners in educational pursuits, in the form of grants to cover course or examination fees, and expenses on reference books.