Second chance: Commissioner of Correctional Services Kwok Leung-ming presents a gold award to Chung Ki Laundry & Dry Clean Company owner Kwok Yung-miu (left) who has employed more than 500 rehabilitated offenders since 1988.

Successful re-integration of rehabilitated offenders into society as a law-abiding citizens hinges on community acceptance and support - and the determination of the offenders themselves.

Speaking at an employment symposium for ex-offenders today, Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services Yau Chi-chiu said employment is key to successful re-integration of offenders. He called on the wider community, especially employers, to give offenders much-needed support.

"It is incumbent upon the Government to help offenders get back on the right track so they can re-integrate into society, but the Government alone cannot achieve this arduous task. Successful re-integration of rehabilitated offenders into society as law-abiding citizens hinges on the acceptance and support of the community and the determination of the offenders themselves," he said.

More measures

On measures to strengthen employability of prisoners after release, Mr Yau said while participation of vocational training for adult prisoners is on a voluntary basis, the department has bolstered pre-release vocational training for local adult offenders, and helped them acquire market-oriented vocational skills and obtain recognised qualifications.

The department has also teamed up with the Society for Rehabilitation & Crime Prevention to offer follow-up employment services for adult offenders completing pre-release vocational training.

Of the 235 rehabilitated offenders released from penal institutions after completing pre-release vocational training from October 2006 to October this year, 173 voluntarily received follow-up employment service offered by the society. Their employment rate - being successfully employed within three months after release - was 83%.