Mandatory background inquiries

Before deciding how to deal with a juvenile offender, the court must conduct a thorough inquiry into the juvenile’s background and welfare.

The court is required to obtain information regarding the juvenile’s general conduct, home surroundings, school record, and medical history. This information is typically provided through social inquiry reports.

If the court suspects mental incapacity, it may remand the juvenile to a place of detention (currently the Tuen Mun Children and Juvenile Home) for up to 42 days for observation, investigation, and treatment rather than proceeding directly to punishment.