ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the development of psychological services in four major areas. They are: forensic assessment for the courts and other statutory bodies; psychological treatment programmes; the management of persons in custody (PIC) with a custodial risk, mental health problems, and adjustment difficulties; and the provision of consultation services to management and staff. The chapter discusses essential elements for the development of effective psychological services and future development directions. With maintaining the safe custody of PIC being one of the prime concerns of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) of Hong Kong, the clinical psychologist has a unique role in assisting the administration in formulating strategies for improving the management of custodial risk, such as self-harm prevention for PIC. Clinical psychologists at the CSD play a key role in offering professional advice to the CSD and the management team of different correctional institutions in response to the changing profile of the penal population and the emerging needs of PIC.
