ENG-2005 — Page 409

Public Order | 355

Training Centres, Rehabilitation Centres and the Detention Centre

Training centres provide correctional training for young offenders for periods. ranging from a minimum of six months to a maximum of three years. These offenders attend half-day educational classes and receive half-day vocational training. They also receive character development training in the form of scouting or guiding, Hong Kong Award for Young People activities and Outward Bound training. On Sundays and public holidays, visits are made to youth centres, factories, sports centres and country parks. Activities to provide social services for the elderly, and the mentally and physically handicapped are arranged for inmates nearing discharge to better prepare them for reintegration into society. 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 Sha Tsui Detention Centre for young male offenders aged between 14 and 20, and young men aged between 21 and 24. It emphasises strict discipline, strenuous training, hard work and a vigorous routine. The detention periods for young male offenders and young men are one to six months and three to 12 months respectively. 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 who are 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. 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.

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 as teaching materials. 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 City and Guilds or the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications.