CSD holds sharing forum on correctional psychology research to launch new book (with photos)
​The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) co-organised a sharing forum on correctional psychology research to introduce a new book written by clinical psychologists of the CSD titled "Gripping Insights: Recent psychological research on Hong Kong Corrections" today (May 30). More than 250 professionals engaged in criminal justice-related work, academics and university students attended the event.
The book features 11 academic articles, which is a compilation of the professional knowledge and experience of the CSD's clinical psychologists in clinical practice and research. It covers a variety of topics, including the psychological characteristics and treatment of persons with sexual offending behaviours and female and male persons in custody (PICs), family relationships of young PICs, psychological distress of elderly PICs, as well as self-harm risk management and applications of virtual-reality technology in treatments for PICs.
Speaking at the forum, the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, said that the CSD set up its Rehabilitation Division in 1998 and clinical psychologists of the Department have been playing an important role in the rehabilitation journey of many PICs over the past 25 years. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, they have devoted a great deal of time and efforts to develop mental health assessment, psychological therapy and support systems that address the diverse needs of PICS, facilitating their smooth reintegration into the community. As scientist-practitioners, they have also conducted extensive research studies to support these developments that enhance the CSD's rehabilitation capabilities.
Mr Wong said that to mark the 25th anniversary of the CSD's Rehabilitation Division, the CSD launches this new book at the forum, which contains professional knowledge and experience gained from years of clinical practice and research by the department's clinical psychologists.
The President of CityU, Professor Freddy Boey, said that CityU and the CSD have established a good working relationship and are committed to working together towards a common goal of making contributions to the society through scientific research.
A professional dialogue session was also held in the forum, during which the CSD's clinical psychologists shared with participants their insights and experience in providing diversified services, emphasising the importance of psychological research in enhancing correctional treatment services. In addition, two PICs and one rehabilitated person, in recorded interviews, shared their rehabilitation processes in the forum, enabling participants to understand that psychological services are crucial for PICs to turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society.
The CSD will continue to conduct academic events, strengthen scholarly interactions and pass on work experience to the next generation to continuously optimise the rehabilitation work for PICs.
