A DESCRIPTION OF THE CAREER PATH OF A "STREET KID" IN HONG KONG AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR LABOR LAWS, THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROVISION

A study of existing research focusing on marginal and delinquent youths in Hong Kong makes it possible to describe a typical career path for marginal youths. They typically pass through five stages beginning with casually running away at the age of ten until eventually serving a second prison term at the age of 18. The age of 14 is an important turning point at which young people make crucial decisions, which either take them out of this path or fix them more firmly in it. The fact that 14 is a critical age has implications for labor laws, for the educational system and for the provision of social services. It is suggested that (rather than search for causes) this data makes it possible to identify the target group and prescribe interventions. 现时对香港边缘少年及年青罪犯的研究，可以清楚描述一个典型的边缘少年误入歧途所经过的阶段，就如十岁便离家出走 ... ... 十八岁便已经在监狱第二次服刑。 「十四岁」为这些少年，是他们生命中的一个转捩点，他们一是决定回归正途，或是更加泥足深陷，难以自拔。故此劳工法例、教育制度，以及社会服务等，应作出适当的修订及改革。 文中的资料并非为研究青年人误入歧途的原因，而是为确认出这类型的青少年及如何为他们提供协助。