To further enhance drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation services for persons in custody (PICs), the Correctional Services Department (CSD) established a new treatment venue named “Serenity Space” at Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI) in this April. In addition, the existing psychological treatment zone at Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre was renamed as “Serenity Place” in this May, signifying that PICs can find peace of mind in the centre. “Serenity Space” and “Serenity Place” are designed to provide a therapeutic environment for PICs undergoing drug treatment to receive the latest treatment models and participate in psychotherapeutic programmes, under which they can learn how to regulate their emotions, enhance their self-control ability, reflect on life and use drugs correctly during the early stage of rehabilitation, thereby rebuilding a drug-free life.

The new treatment models offer PICs a more diverse range of rehabilitation options, including the introduction of “Psycho-martial Arts” initiated by the Psychological Services Section (PSS) at Lai Sun Correctional Institution since this May. This programme incorporates an element of positive psychology into martial arts training, while promoting the spirit of “respecting teachers, protecting our home and defending our country”, with a view to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of PICs, and guiding them to reflect on the meaning of life as well as build up positive attitudes and healthy living habits.

Furthermore, the PSS has implemented a family-based intervention called “My Memory Lane – A Bold Adventure” at Multi-purpose Family and Rehabilitation Services Centres since this March. Clinical psychologists would arrange for PICs undergoing drug addiction treatment to meet their family members through video conferencing and create a family photo album together to reminisce significant moments in the past, so as to enhance mutual understanding and help them express their feelings more effectively.

Besides, the PSS has collaborated with non-governmental organisations to introduce more diverse psychotherapeutic programmes in “Serenity Space” and “Serenity Place”. Apart from providing PICs with an animal-assisted intervention called “Dog Psychology 101”, our clinical psychologists have recently co-organised with the Mindful Heart Foundation an activity entitled “Psycho-drama” at LWCI, under which PICs were given an opportunity to think from the perspectives of their family members, understand their feelings and learn how to communicate effectively with them, thereby improving their family relationships and reinforcing their determination to quit drugs.

The department will continue to consider introducing different treatment models and services, so as to offer more opportunities and resources to PICs undergoing drug addiction treatment to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.