CSD launches Parent-child Centre in Stanley Prison (with photos)

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) officially launched a Parent-child Centre in Stanley Prison today (December 13) to enable male persons in custody (PICs) to maintain the relationship with their children, thereby reinforcing their determination to turn over a new leaf with the support of their families.

     As announced by the Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address, the CSD will set up three Parent-child Centres for male PICs by the end of this year. The Department has earlier established two Parent-child Centres for male PICs in Tong Fuk Correctional Institution and Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre respectively.

     Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Parent-child Centre in Stanley Prison today, the Chairman of the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders, Ms Tsui Li, said that through the setting up of Parent-child Centres in correctional institutions for male PICs, it has provided opportunities for male PICs to build up and maintain parent-child relationship with their children in a suitable environment and strengthen the bond with their families which will provide them with strong support for their rehabilitation.

     She specially thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for the donation as well as the Blue Bus Jockey Club Together We Grow Project under the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong for the support for and participation in the establishment of the Parent-child Centres, and pointed out that the support from all sectors in the community is particularly important for the rehabilitation of PICs.

     The design and decoration of the Parent-child Centres in the correctional institutions are modelled on children's playrooms in the community, providing a safe and comfortable environment for male PICs and their young children under 11 years old to gather to play games and read together. Male PICs can also take part in parent-child groups held in the centres to learn communication skills for building a better parent-child relationship.