1 Photo
Since the implementation of the Extended Community Support Service Scheme (CSSS) on April 1, 2019, around 750 arrested youths aged under 18 have been referred to five non-governmental organisations funded by the Social Welfare Department to receive support services. What services have these youths received? What changes have they experienced? The Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit shares the life stories of these youths on OffBeat.
Earning “quick cash” out of a momentary slip
In the midst of masks shortage in early 2020, 16-year-old Ah Ching engaged in surgical mask scams online to make “quick cash”. Detective Police Constable Stephen of District Crime Squad of Sau Mau Ping District took over the case and soon arrested Ah Ching. Ah Ching told Stephen that her family members had become unemployed due to the epidemic, so she hoped to get quick money to ease their financial pressure, without thinking carefully how her wrongdoing would adversely affect her future. Stephen hoped that Ah Ching could receive counselling, so he introduced the support service for arrested youths to her and her parents and they agreed to the referral.
Reflection and introspection
Ah Ching’s case was followed up by a social worker under the Community Support Service Scheme of New Territories North Region. After talking to Ah Ching, the social worker learnt that she had deeply regretted her act and was worried about the serious consequences of the crime. As part of the support service, the social worker accompanied Ah Ching to report bail at the police station and arranged family counselling, so that Ah Ching and her family could be emotionally supported to face the changes brought by the case. The social worker encouraged Ah Ching to reflect on her behaviour, which helped her restore positive values and made her understand that she should solve problems in the right way rather than resorting to illegal activities.
A referral action could change one’s life
It had been three months since the case was referred to the CSSS. When Stephen met Ah Ching again, he found Ah Ching had become more mature after the incident. She even wrote a letter of apology and proposed to offer compensation to the victim. Stephen was touched by Ah Ching’s changes and her rehabilitation made him realise that as a police officer, in addition to fighting crimes, also plays a role in supporting young people - “That’s one small step for me, one giant leap for others.”
