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.

Receiving support service

In early 2019, 13-year-old Jerry, who got his first taste of puppy love, studied at home with his female classmate. Driven by curiosity, Jerry touched the classmate’s private parts. The classmate later disclosed the incident to the school social worker and Jerry was arrested by the Police for “Indecent Assault”. He was then referred to the Support Service for Arrested Youths and his case was eventually dealt with by the Police Superintendent’s Discretion Scheme (PSDS).

Breaking the ice

Jerry came from a single-parent family and had a very close relationship with his mother. Although Jerry suffered from congenital attention deficit, he was eager to learn. The incident made Jerry feel ashamed of himself and he became very anti-social. His relationship with his mother had deteriorated.

Lok Man of the Juvenile Protection Section of Kowloon West Region (JPS KW) was responsible for the post-caution supervision of Jerry under the PSDS. Lok Man recalled that during the first home visit, Jerry was very cold and indifferent to him. Soon he noticed that Jerry liked to play video games, so he started talking about video games with Jerry and finally managed to break the ice. After developing a rapport with Jerry, Lok Man invited him to play basketball, allowing him to vent his energy and improve his interpersonal skills through group sports. A few months later, Lok Man and Jerry’s mother noticed that Jerry had opened up himself again. He took the initiative to help with housework and rebuilt a good relationship with his mother.

Small role but profound impact

Even after the support service has finished, Jerry still contacts Lok Man to share the ups and downs about his life. Lok Man, as a mentor and a listener, witnessed Jerry becoming mature and knowing to plan his life ahead. “Jerry’s case gave me great job satisfaction, making me become more devoted to police work. As long as there is appropriate assistance and guidance, we can help young people get back on the right track.” Lok Man’s experience is a true demonstration of the spirit of “a small role but profound impact”.