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organisations, the project was launched in February 2004. During the year, 137 supervisees participated in the project.
Services Provided by Non-governmental Organisations
Non-governmental organisations such as the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong; Buddhas' Light International Association of Hong Kong; Caritas Lok Heep Club; Hong Kong Christian Kun Sun Association; Christian Prison Pastoral Fellowship; Save the Children Hong Kong; and Wu Oi Christian Centre provide services to help offenders and discharged inmates reintegrate into the community. They provide services such as case work, counselling, hostel accommodation, employment assistance, recreational activities and care of children whose parents are in custody.
Community Support
Community acceptance and support is of paramount importance to the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into society. Comprising representatives of non-governmental organisations, government departments and professionals from various sectors of society, the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders advises the Commissioner of Correctional Services on rehabilitation programmes and publicity strategies.
A series of publicity activities has been launched to appeal for public support for rehabilitated offenders. The major activities in 2004 included the third series of the TV documentary-drama The Road Back, produced in collaboration with RTHK; the third symposium on employment for rehabilitated offenders, jointly organised with the Centre for Criminology of the University of Hong Kong; a public performance named An Unparalleled Show highlighting the talents and potential of people under the department's custody; and joint community activities organised with the 18 District Fight Crime Committees. An increasing number of community groups share the view that the community as a whole will benefit from the successful transition of rehabilitated offenders, and express interest in rendering support to them after learning of their needs and the efforts they have made towards rehabilitation.
To broaden the scope of public involvement, the department formed the CSD Rehabilitation Volunteer Group in early 2004. The volunteers are mostly college students and serving teachers. They help to supplement the services of the department by conducting interest groups on languages, computer studies and other cultural pursuits for inmates in correctional institutions. They also assist in other areas of rehabilitation work, such as taking part in public education activities, which promote community acceptance of rehabilitated offenders.
Information Technology and Management Services
Information technology is used extensively in the CSD to improve its efficiency in daily operation and record-keeping. Computer systems are used in the management of the movement of people in custody, their daily provisions, work flow of the Correctional Services Industries, and staff management and administration. Continuous efforts are being made to enhance the quality and efficiency of prison
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