Project ReBond: A program to help people on release desistance
Official title: 'Through the Gate' Desistance-Based Social Work Intervention for Offenders Serving First or Second Prison Sentence in Hong Kong - Jockey Club Project ReBond: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Randomised Control Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07593534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial will test whether Project ReBond plus usual services helps people re-entering the community more successfully than usual services alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07593534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults in Hong Kong currently serving short to moderate sentences who can participate in in-prison and post-release workshops.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals unable to participate in at least 80% of the workshops or who have barriers to consent or language proficiency.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study uses a two-arm randomized design to compare the ReBond intervention plus standard services (TAU) against TAU alone over 13 months after release. It includes pre-release workshops with outcomes on emotional competence, resilience, AI literacy, and problem-solving confidence, plus longer-term measures of well-being and thriving. The trial tracks desistance and Theory of Planned Behavior outcomes at multiple post-release time points to see when effects emerge. Participants are Hong Kong residents aged 18 or older who are in prison and able to consent, with specific workshop participation requirements. The University of Hong Kong leads the study with collaboration from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, conducted at HKU in Hong Kong Island.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better adjustment after release and greater well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in similar desistance-focused programs with social work components has shown promising post-release benefits, though this exact combination is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hong Kong residents; * Aged 18 years or above and capable of providing informed consent * Serving a maximum of two sentences (including the current one) across any level or type of correctional facility * The current sentence lasts between 3 and 12 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Physical conditions that preclude participation in at least 80% (six or seven sessions) of the Stage 1 in-prison workshops * Psychological conditions (e.g. bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) that preclude participation in at least 80% (six or seven sessions) of the Stage 1 in-prison workshops * Medical appointments that preclude participation in at least 80% (six or seven sessions) of the Stage 1 in-prison workshops * Inadequate Cantonese or English proficiency that prevent the individual from providing informed consent and participating in the Stage 1 group workshops * Cognitive impairments that prevent the individual from providing informed consent and participating in the Stage 1 group workshops * A history or high risk of inflicting physical harm on other participants, clinicians, or CSD staff
Where it's running
-
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul Wong, D.Psyc. — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Sunny Chow, BSocSc
- Email: suunyccc@hku.hk
- Phone: 85295565912
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.