Social Welfare 207
Based on the recommendation of the Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse, a two- year Pilot Project on Enhanced Probation Service was introduced at the two probation offices serving Kowloon City and Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts in October 2009 to provide more focused, structured and intensive treatment programmes for convicted young drug offenders aged below 21.
During 2010, a total of 3 086 people aged 14 or above who were convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment were placed on Community Service Orders. They were required to perform unpaid community work arranged and supervised by SWD officers. The Tuen Mun Children and Juvenile Home, with 388 places, provides educational, pre-vocational and character training to juvenile offenders as well as children and young people with behavioural and/or family problems.
The Young Offender Assessment Panel, run jointly by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the SWD, provides the courts with professional views on sentencing options for offenders aged 14 to below 25. The Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Scheme, another joint service of the SWD and the CSD, assisted 341 discharged prisoners during their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community in 2010. The SWD provides funding to an NGO to offer hostel and supportive services to ex-offenders.
Services for Young People
The objective of welfare services for young people is to help those aged between 6 and 24 become mature, responsible and contributing members of society. A range of preventive, supportive and remedial services are provided by NGOs to achieve this goal.
Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres
At year-end, there were 137 Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres. (ICYSCs). These centres provide centre-based services, outreach social work services and school social work services to address the developmental needs of young people in an integrated and holistic manner. Under a modernisation package funded by the Lotteries Fund, a total of 74 youth service units and community centres were provided with funding to upgrade their premises and facilities.
Outreaching Services
Sixteen District Youth Outreaching Social Work Teams provide services to high- risk youths and deal with juvenile gang issues. Eighteen designated ICYSCs also provide overnight outreaching service to help young night drifters get back on the right track.
Services for Juvenile Delinquents
The Community Support Service Scheme (CSSS) assists young people who have broken the law, or are under the Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme. Six CSSS teams, one operated by the SWD and five by NGOs, provide services to these young people.
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