ENG-2007 — Page 383

Public Order | 327

Assessment Services

Young people aged between 14 and 20, who are convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment, may be remanded in custody for a period not exceeding three weeks for assessment of their suitability for admission to a training centre, rehabilitation centre, detention centre or drug addiction treatment centre. Young men aged between 21 and 24 may be similarly remanded for admission to the detention centre.

The Rehabilitation Unit (Assessment) makes recommendations to the courts on the suitability of offenders for detention at one of the four types of inmate centres mentioned above. In 2007, a total of 5 409 suitability reports were prepared, and assessment officers found 1 213 males and 160 females suitable for admission to a rehabilitation centre, a training centre or detention centre, and 1 369 males and 308 females suitable for a drug addiction treatment centre.

Young Offender Assessment Panel

The Young Offender Assessment Panel, comprising representatives from the CSD and the Social Welfare Department, makes recommendations to magistrates and judges on the most appropriate rehabilitation programmes for young male offenders aged between 14 and 24 and females aged 14 to 20.

Training Centres, Detention Centre and Rehabilitation Centres

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

A detention centre programme is carried out at 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. The detention period for young males and young adults are one to six months and three to 12 months respectively. After release, detainees are placed under a one-year statutory supervision for 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.

Education

Inmates under 21 are required to attend educational classes conducted by qualified teachers. They are encouraged to take part in both local and overseas public examinations.