Govt launches new child care centers ahead of mandatory reporting law

The government has set up two new residential child care centers to handle the potential increase in reported child abuse cases, as the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance is set to take effect on January 20.

Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming said on Sunday that these centers will provide emergency accommodation for over 380 additional children each year, ensuring vulnerable youth have immediate support.

In addition, to prevent child abuse at its source, Ho said the Social Welfare Department will set up four Community Parents and Children Centres on a pilot basis. These centers will enhance parent-child interactions and educate parents on positive parenting skills through play-based services.

The four centers will commence operations progressively this year, with an estimated 40,000 people expected to benefit from the services in the first year. 

The upcoming Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will require 25 categories of professionals across social welfare, education, and healthcare sectors to report any suspected severe cases of maltreatment, aiming for early detection and intervention for children at risk. 

Individuals who fail to inform the authorities when they suspect a child is suffering from physical, psychological, or sexual abuse may face a maximum penalty of three months in prison and a HK$50,000 fine.