***********************************************************
The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, visited the Hong Kong Children and Youth Services Sane Centre in Tsuen Wan this evening (August 9).
Sane Centre is one of the 11 counselling centres for psychotropic substance abusers (CCPSAs). Subvented by the Government, CCPSAs are operated by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide preventive education services and community-based treatment and rehabilitation support to psychotropic substance abusers in designated service areas.
During his visit, Mr Lai joined a programme sponsored by the Beat Drugs Fund (BDF) and chatted with young people who had successfully quit drugs. The programme includes training for young ex-drug abusers as peer counsellors to help the families of drug abusers.
"Psychotropic substances, which are prevalent among young drug abusers, are hidden in respect of consumption methods and the harmful effects on the body initially. However, serious or even irreversible effects on the health of the drug abusers may result after prolonged consumption. It is therefore important to focus efforts on assisting youth at risk at the community level with specific emphasis on early identification and early intervention," Mr Lai said.
"The Government has since 2008 substantially increased resources to prevent youth drug abuse. Apart from enhancing support in the school sector, we have significantly increased resources for drug treatment and rehabilitation services at the community level. For example, the number of CCPSAs has increased from five to 11 with on-site medical support services. In addition, the Government has allocated new resources to strengthen the day and night outreaching services," he added.
"The Government supports various sectors in the community to roll out worthwhile anti-drug programmes through the BDF. Taking today's programme as an example, ex-drug abusers' sharing could facilitate NGOs' work in reaching out to young people in need and their families. Also, training for peer counsellors serves to enrich the life of young people who have quit drugs, hence reducing the chance of relapse," Mr Lai said.
Mr Lai also observed the operation of a youth outreaching team on-site to have a better understanding of the latest youth drug abuse situation.
Accompanying Mr Lai on the visit today was the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Erika Hui.
Ends/Thursday, August 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 21:50
NNNN
