NCJ Number
159671
Date Published
1995
Length
19 pages
Annotation
After examining the legal age limits and the extent of juvenile delinquency in Hong Kong, this paper profiles institutional programs for juveniles administered by the Correctional Services Department and the Social Welfare Department, as well as community-based corrections programs for juveniles.
Abstract
The legal age limit of criminal responsibility in Hong Kong is 7 years, and a "child" is interpreted as a person under the age of 14. A "young person" refers to a person of 14 and under 16 years old. A "child" or "young person" charged with offenses other than homicide is processed by a juvenile court. All persons aged 21 and above are classified as "adults" except those between 21 and 25, who are considered "young adults." Juvenile delinquency is a serious problem in Hong Kong, largely due to the weakening of informal social control exerted by families, due largely to urbanization and industrialization. The Correctional Services Department administers six institutions, two half-way houses, and two young inmate sections within the drug addiction treatment centers for the care, reformation, and cure of young offenders. This paper describes the Training Centre program, the Drug Addiction Treatment Centre program, and the Young Prisoners Program. Also described are educational programs, vocational training, extracurricular activities, aftercare services, and special programs for mentally handicapped offenders. Institutional programs administered by the Social Welfare Department include the Remand Home, the Probation Home, and Reformatory Schools. In addition to describing the numerous community-based rehabilitation programs for juvenile delinquents, the paper also profiles other measures designed to prevent and counter juvenile delinquency in Hong Kong. 4 tables