China publishes draft law on community service

BEIJING - China published the draft of a law on criminal community service Thursday, which will provide more government support for community service programs and protect the rights of juvenile offenders.

Public opinion on the draft is now being solicited.

The law aims to regulate community service, help offenders return to society and prevent re-offending, according to the draft released by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council.

Community service mainly targets offenders given non-prison sentences such as reprieve or release on parole, and is carried out in the wider community.

Local governments should provide help and education to those on community service, while correction agencies should train and help with employment, the draft said.

The supervision and management of juvenile offenders should be separated from adults, and authorities should tailor correction measures according to juvenile offenders' age and mentality, it said.

Documents on juvenile offenders' correction will not be made public.

Offenders in the community service can participate in social insurance programs and apply for social and legal assistance, according to the draft.

The public can give their opinions on the draft at chinalaw.gov.cn before Dec 31.