Services for Offenders

The SWD implements court orders to rehabilitate offenders through social
work approaches, with the aim of reintegrating the offenders into the
community. The probation service is available to offenders aged seven
and above. Probation officers make recommendations to courts as to the
offenders' suitability for probation supervision and assessment on
prisoners under consideration for early release. They also supervise
offenders' compliance to court orders. In 1997, 7 049 people were placed
on probation.

The Community Service Orders Scheme is a community-based initiative,
which requires an offender aged 14 and above and convicted of an
offence punishable by imprisonment, to perform unpaid work of benefit
to the community and to receive guidance from a probation officer. In
1997, 1 562 were put under the supervision of the scheme. Eight
residential homes with a total capacity of 612 places provide educational,
pre-vocational and character training to juvenile offenders and youth at
risk.

The Young Offender Assessment Panel, jointly operated by the SWD and
the Correctional Services Department, provides magistrates with a
co-ordinated view on the most appropriate treatment for convicted young
offenders aged 14 to under 25.

The Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Scheme, also jointly operated
by the SWD and the Correctional Services Department, assists discharged
prisoners in their rehabilitation. In 1997, 513 ex-prisoners were placed
under supervision. One subvented organisation also provides hostel,
employment, casework and volunteer services to ex-offenders.

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