Theoretical Underpinnings of Community-based Sentences and Custody for Young Offenders in Hong Kong

Much has been written about youth crime, justice and corrections in Hong Kong in the past three decades, in particular, about the historical roots of the youth justice system, causes of juvenile delinquency, and the outcomes of different rehabilitative programmes for young offenders. However, little is known in theory, practice and policy about how community-based and custodial sentences can achieve the goals of rehabilitation and correction for young offenders. In this paper, the author analyses the purposes of penal measures with reference to the classical theories of punishment, rather than empirical data or statistics. The author argues that a community-based sentence, in many respects, performs as or more effectively than a custodial programme in achieving the various sentencing aims.

A transdisciplinary approach to adolescent forensic mental health

Objective: To examine new strategies which may be implemented to address the significant mental health and substance abuse problems of young people within the juvenile justice system. Method: Wide-ranging literature review of mental health problems within the juvenile justice population is given, illustrating the high prevalence of mental health problems within this cohort of young people. Reference is made to the differing demographics and agendas of the American justice system compared to that found in Australia. Results: It is suggested that new initiatives stemming from quality Australian studies are required in order to facilitate reform within adolescent forensic mental health. Psychiatrists need to be at the forefront of innovative policy delivery within the juvenile justice system. Conclusions: A transdisciplinary approach is required to meet the changing needs of young people within the juvenile justice system. Such a system of care recognizes that these young people and their families have multiple needs that cross traditional boundaries and a collaborative approach across agencies is essential at both the policy and practical level. Psychiatrists have an important role to play in the development of these services. A systemic process to address such needs is offered.

Gender differences in the relationship between offending, self-harm and depression in adolescence and young adulthood

Criminal offending and poor mental health are both recognised as important social problems warranting prevention and intervention efforts. Although there is some evidence for comorbidity between these problems, little research has examined the causal relationship between offending and mental health, particularly for young people. The present investigation addresses these issues by using data from the Sibling Study, a longitudinal investigation of delinquency as self-reported by 731 adolescents and young adults in south-east Queensland, Australia. The results suggest that for young women, but not men, offending behaviours (including the use of illicit drugs) lead to increases in self-harm and depression. Conversely, poor mental health, as indicated by having low self-esteem, a poor future outlook, and a belief that life is very confusing, does not influence subsequent levels of offending for either sex. The implications for prevention and intervention are discussed, with emphasis on the need for the criminal justice system to provide mental health services to young female offenders.

Work issues for young people with psychosis: Barriers to employment

Young people who have had a mental illness face significant barriers to both gaining and maintaining employment. A study using a qualitative design and consisting of two focus groups, was conducted to focus on the issues experiencedby young people diagnosed with psychosis wanting to gain employment. The participants were 10 registered clients of an Australian mental health service that had a specialised early psychosis programme. The themes identified in this study concerned loss, low self-confidence and self-esteem, stigma, treatment issues, the need for support, and difficulties in identifying and achieving goals. Further research is warranted to gain a greater understanding of the type of programme that would best assist young people to gain and maintain employment.

Correcting physical activity energy expenditure for body size in young children

Being able to compare the energy cost of physical activity across and between populations is important. However, energy expenditure is related to body size, so it is necessary to appropriately adjust for differences in body size when comparisons are made. This study examined the relationship between the daily energy cost of activity and body weight in 47 children aged 6-10 years. Log-log regression showed weight(1.0) to be an inappropriate adjustment for activity energy expenditure in children, with a more valid adjustment being weight(0.3). Clearly, both weight dependent and non-weight dependent activities are part of everyday living in children. This balance influences how energy expenditure is correctly adjusted for body size. Investigators interpreting data of energy expenditure in children from children of different body sizes need to take this into consideration.

Young Labor demands better deal for Aborigines - Labour Day 1965 Brisbane Australia

Young Labor Association float during the Labour Day procession in Brisbane, Australia 1965. Placards call for voting rights for Aborigines, more education facilities and award wages.

Reversible cardiomyopathy associated with acute inhaled marijuana use in a young adult

Marijuana is a frequently used recreational drug. We describe the first published case of marijuana related cardiomyopathy.

Young parents with children during Aldermaston Peace march in 1964

Young parents with children during Aldermaston Peace march, Sunday, April 5th 1964. The Aldermaston march covered the distance between Ipswich and Brisbane, Australia, walked in relays covering approximately two miles each. Most relay sections were sponsored by one or more individual organisations.

The effect of water fluoridation on the bone mineral density of young women [Saskatoon study]

Introduction: Osteogenic effects of therapeutic fluoride have been reported; however, the impact of exposure to low level water fluoridation on bone density is not clear. We investigated the effect of long-term exposure to fluoridated water from growth to young adulthood on bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: BMD was measured in 24 healthy women from Regina (fluoride 0.1 mg/L) and 33 from Saskatoon (fluoride 1.0 mg/L), with no differences between groups for height, weight, lifestyle or dietary factors. Results: Saskatoon women had significantly higher mean BMD at total anterior-posterior lumbar spine (APS) and estimated volumetric L3 (VLS), with no difference at total body (TB) or proximal femur (PF). Conclusion: Exposure to water fluoridation during the growing years may have a power impact on axial spine bone density in young women.

Food habits of young and middle-aged women living outside the capital cities of Australia

Young (18-22 years) and middle-aged (45-49 years) women living in urban and rural areas of New South Wales completed a brief food frequency questionnaire as part of a wider health survey. Urban women in both age groups consumed meat less frequently than women in rural areas; and women in the less populated rural areas were more likely to eat green and yellow vegetables and least likely to eat dried beans. There were few other geographic differences in food habits. Middle-aged women consumed reduced-fat milk, fruit, vegetables, fish, biscuits and cakes significantly more frequently, and rice, pasta, full-cream milk, fried food and take-away food less frequently than younger women. Smokers in both age groups consumed fresh fruit, vegetables and breakfast cereals significantly less frequently than non-smokers, and women with low levels of habitual physical activity consumed fresh fruit and cereals less frequently than more active women. The findings suggest that strategies aimed at changing eating behaviours should be age-group-specific and targeted specifically to smokers and less active women.

Jobless - Unemployment and young people's health

Morrell, Taylor and Kerr, from the University of Sydney's Department of Public Health, review the evidence of an association between unemployment and psychological and physical ill-health in young people aged 15-24 years. Aggregate data show youth unemployment and youth suicide to be strongly associated Youth unemployment is also associated with psychological symptoms, such as depression and loss of confidence. Effects on physical health have been less extensively studied; however, there is some evidence for an association with raised blood pressure. Finally, the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors (cannabis use and, less consistently tobacco and alcohol consumption) is higher in unemployed compared with employed young people.

Young children, adolescents and alcohol - Part I: Exploring knowledge and awareness of alcohol and related issues

This article explores young children's and adolescents' views pertaining to: knowledge and awareness of alcohol and alcohol related issues; social situations in which. alcohol use is present; orientation to alcohol risk; perceived and actual alcohol use; social image and reputation; and short and long term health beliefs in relation to alcohol. Forty focus groups were conducted with 240 primary school students (118 males and 122 females) and 24 focus groups were conducted with 192 high school students (90 males and 102 females); the total being 64 focus groups comprising 432 school students. Participants ages ranged from five years three months to 16 years 10 months. The videotaped discussions revealed that approximately 75% of the primary school-aged children and almost all of the high school students reported that they had tasted alcohol. Parents were primarily responsible for providing the alcohol. Virtually all participants recognised and were able to correctly name a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and levels of knowledge and awareness of the health and safety aspects of alcohol were relatively mixed. Presentation of bottles and cans was reported as being important in attracting young persons. These data suggest there is an urgent need for research addressed to the development of prevention/intervention education curriculum materials for use with primary school-aged children.