NCJ Number
164975
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This overview of Hong Kong's juvenile justice system considers aspects of the formal system and informal practices.
Abstract
The overview of the formal system has sections on probation, community service, and residential care and custody. Hong Kong's juvenile justice system, which was established in 1932, is modeled after its English counterpart. Offenders under 16 years old are separated from adult offenders and processed in accordance with the perceived needs of juveniles. Most laws currently applicable to juvenile offenders (ages 7 to 15 years) and young offenders (ages 16 to 20 years) have been on the books in one form or another since at least the 1950's. In the processing of juveniles in Hong Kong, a dual process has emerged. While retaining the full vigor of the juvenile court for convicted delinquents, the system has spawned new forms of surveillance, regulation, and intervention for the so-called pre- delinquent. In recent years, there has been a significant expansion in the scope of juvenile offending; policing strategies that target youth; and "net-widening," which has resulted in the official processing of juveniles who would have previously been processed informally by the community or the police. 4 notes, 21 references, and appended directory of key juvenile agencies and personnel