Press Release

Psychological Gymnasium in Lo Wu Correctional Institution opens

     The Correctional Services Department's (CSD) Psychological Gymnasium (Psy Gym) in Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI) was officially opened on March 8. The colourfully-decorated gymnasium is the first personal growth and emotion treatment centre for female adult prisoners and provides specialised treatment programmes tailor-made for female offenders. 

     “Female inmates differ from their male counterparts in terms of the causes of their offending behaviour, rehabilitation needs and response style to treatment. The Psy Gym is established to target their gender-specific risks and needs,” said CSD’s Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr Hui Shuk Han, Judy.

     “All local adult prisoners with sentence length of one year or above receive risks and needs assessment after admission. With a maximum capacity of 13 places at the moment, Psy Gym in LWCI offers a women offender orientation programme for two to four weeks for prisoners having personal or emotional problems and a risk of re-offending.”

     Dr Hui continued: “Prisoners assessed by clinical psychologists with treatment needs are further referred to take the moderate intensity programme for six to eight months. Treatments are given in the form of group therapy and in-depth psychological coaching. Musical instruments and drawing facilities are used to facilitate the treatment in the Psy Gym. The Psy Gym provides therapeutic environment for participants to practise mood management and interpersonal skills and to form good habit conducive to their rehabilitation.” 

     Situated on 163, Ho Sheung Heung Road, Sheung Shui, LWCI commenced operation in July 2010 with a total capacity of 1 400 penal places for female adult prisoners. Correctional Services Integrated Management is adopted in this new institution with emphasis on people orientation, operational efficiency, economy of scale, resources management, greening concept, and community networking.

Ends/Wednesday, March 9, 2011

 The Psychological Gymnasium (Psy Gym) in Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI) is the first personal growth and emotion treatment centre for female adult prisoners provided by the Correctional Services Department.