'More Support Needed For Foster Care Services'

The government has been urged to offer more incentives and ramp up support for families fostering children, according to a report from a committee reviewing residential childcare services.

In a statement on Thursday, the government said the report recommended introducing flexible recruitment and care arrangements and enhancing support and training for foster parents.

The report, from the Committee on Review of Residential Child Care and Related Services – established in the wake of a child abuse scandal at the Children's Residential Home in Prince Edward – stressed the importance of attracting more people to participate in foster care service.

The document, which listed out 39 recommendations as part of the second phase review of the city's residential childcare facilities and related services, also suggested requiring superintendents of such places to complete training courses within a time frame.

The suggestion, it says, ensures they would be able to spot suspected child abuse or neglect at an early stage.