NCJ Number
91261
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Following a discussion of general trends in juvenile delinquency in Hong Kong and a presentation of an outline of juvenile justice administration, this paper considers the extent of the drug abuse problem and ways Hong Kong is dealing with it.
Abstract
There has been a marked increase in juvenile crime in Hong Kong in 1979-80 compared to the last 15 years. The upsurge evidenced in official reporting of delinquency is believed due to a change in the education system, more crime reporting, less use of juvenile diversion, and the increased opportunity of petty theft, the largest category of offenses committed by juveniles. The processing of juveniles consists of intake screening to determine whether formal processing will proceed, detention in a juvenile remand center when bail is not allowed, and hearing before a juvenile court magistrate. Treatment for juvenile offenders includes probation, short- and long-term institutional treatment, short period of detention, disciplinary training, and voluntary institutions. Drug abuse is a serious and long-standing problem in Hong Kong, with heroin being the primary drug of abuse. The largest proportion of users is in the 20-29 age group. The problem is being addressed in four major ways: (1) law enforcement, (2) treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts (methadone clinics, custodial treatment, and voluntary treatment), (3) preventive education and publicity, and (4) international action. Tabular data are provided on the juvenile crime rate (1964-80), the prosecution of juveniles for certain categories of crime, and prosecutions of juveniles by age group.