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Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse report released (with video)
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     The Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse, led by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, released its report today (November 11) after consulting widely through the fight crime and anti-drug networks to consolidate strategies to combat the problem.

     Comprising high-level inter-departmental representatives, the task force was set up in October 2007 as one of the initiatives announced in the Chief Executive¡¦s Policy Address.

     Speaking at a press conference today to announce the recommendations made by the task force, Mr Wong said, "As the task force surveyed the efforts made by various parties in combating drug abuse, we feel compelled to come up with focused, holistic and sustainable strategies.

     "The Administration will pursue the implementation of the recommendations in a vigorous manner and continue engagement with various stakeholders on a sustained basis", Mr Wong said.

     One of the most important long-term measures would be the proposal for introduction of new legislation on the compulsory drug testing of a person reasonably suspected of having consumed dangerous drugs.  

     "The primary purpose of the compulsory drug testing scheme is to enable early intervention for treatment and rehabilitation, instead of facilitating prosecution," he said.

     The proposed compulsory drug testing scheme may comprise a tiered intervention structure offering a warning and/or treatment and rehabilitation option for those who tested positive, diverting them away from possible prosecution, which should be the last resort.  

     However, important issues relating to compulsory drug testing, including the extent of coverage, human rights concerns, read-across implications for law and enforcement, resources and implementation details, have to be carefully considered.

     Mr Wong said public views should be sought before the scheme was taken forward.  In addition, a research project should be commissioned to devise possible school-based drug testing schemes for voluntary adoption by schools.

     Meanwhile, medical support should be provided in Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers, including the provision of a voluntary drug test service.

     The task force also recommended a two-year pilot project on an enhanced probation service to provide more focused, structured and intensive treatment programmes for young drug offenders.  Probation officers would step up their co-ordinating and supervisory roles while judicial officers may play an enhanced sanctioning role in the rehabilitative process.

     On the preventive education and publicity front, the task force considers the school sector an important platform for enhancing the effect of protective factors.  A set of resource kits should be developed to help schools formulate a healthy school policy with an anti-drug element. Structured professional training for teachers should be enhanced.  Clear guidelines and protocols should also be drawn up for all personnel in the school setting to handle cases involving at-risk students.

     The Education Bureau should review and strengthen the anti-drug elements in various Key Learning Areas and subjects and encourage the engagement of students in Other Learning Experiences.

     The other major feature of the task force's recommendations is the use of the new Chinese nomenclature ¡§¦M®`ºë¯«¬r«~¡¨ to underline the harmful and addictive nature of psychotropic substances.  

     Efforts should be stepped up to engage youth, including young drug abusers, on the Internet.  The Drug InfoCentre should also be updated and enhanced as the focal point and resource centre for drug education.  

     In tackling the problem of cross-boundary drug abuse by youngsters, the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said at the press conference that the Police would step up co-operation with the Mainland authorities. For young drug abusers caught on the Mainland, the Police would inform their parents or guardians so that follow-up rehabilitative services can be provided to these youngsters after they are sent back to Hong Kong.

     ¡§We are strengthening the Juvenile Protection Service under the Police Superintendent Discretion Scheme, enhancing intelligence gathering capability on the Internet, and stepping up further collaboration with NGOs and industry stakeholders,¡¨ Mr Lee added.

     Recognising the fact that the Government cannot work alone in the fight against youth drug abuse, the Path Builders initiative was launched in September to foster a caring culture and is being widely promoted in the community.

     The Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, will lead an inter-departmental working group to co-ordinate the implementation of the recommendations and report progress to the Action Committee Against Narcotics and Fight Crime Committee.

     The executive summary of the report and the full report are now accessible on the Narcotics Division's website (www.nd.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:01

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