The scheme was initially set up in September 1994 to provide counselling and assistance to juvenile offenders who were cautioned under the Superintendent's Discretion Scheme (PSDS), which divert young persons (aged seven to under 18) from the impact of the criminal justice system.

There are five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) running the scheme through five service teams. The NGOs are the Methodist Centre Project Phoenix, the Boys & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong Youth Action Network, The Hong Kong Playground Association New Horizon Community Supportive Services Scheme, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Youth Support Team and The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service Youth Enhancement Scheme.

"With the service expansion and the increasing co-operative opportunities between the Police and the NGOs, an updated referral mechanism for CSSS has recently been established," explained Crime Wing Support Group Acting Chief Superintendent, Mr Armond Chan Yiu-Kwok.

"There is a new arrangement whereby the CSSS Team is to inform the officer commanding Juvenile Protection Section (JPS) of the region where the juvenile is residing about case opening, case termination and case transferral. Thereafter, respective OC JPS will maintain close liaison with the NGOs to monitor the progress of the cases," Mr Chan said.

The purpose of CSSS is to assist the targeted juveniles to re-integrate into the community, eliminate their deviant and unlawful behaviour and reduce the likelihood of law infringement.

The service offered involves intensive social work oriented case/group programmes/activities including the followings:

(1) Counselling, either on an individual or group basis, to assist PSDS cases to overcome their difficulties in personal and social development in particular their offending behaviour;

(2) Educational or vocational guidance to reintegrate them into the education system or work force.

(3) Groups and activities to enhance their social skills, interpersonal relationship and life aspiration, and modify their undesirable attitudes and behaviour.

(4) Volunteer and community service activities to develop their sense of social responsibility and civic mindedness, and provide them with chances of getting social recognition.

(5) Work with relevant system, such as parents/ guardians and peers, to strengthen the supporting network for the young people.

"Joint efforts of CSSS and JPS are essential especially in cases where both counselling services and authoritative supervision are necessary," said Mr Chan. Following the increased cooperation between the Police and the operating agencies, it hopes that the likelihood of re-offending by the targeted juveniles would be greatly reduced.