Officials Launch Review Into 'outrageous' Abuse Case

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong says the government is reviewing how it monitors providers of child care services, as he joined Chief Executive Carrie Lam in expressing anger over allegations of abuse at a foster home for orphaned babies and toddlers.

Writing on his official blog on Sunday, Law said the Social Welfare Department had begun an in-depth investigation into the case, in which 18 children are alleged to have been abused at the Children's Residential Home in Prince Edward.

"I'd originally wanted to share tips on how to relax your mind on this Christmas blog, instead of talking about policies, but the case of [alleged] child abuse by NGO staff is truly outrageous and heartbreaking," he wrote.

Law said all pre-school centres and their staff have to be registered and comply with the Child Care Services Ordinance, adding that the director of social welfare has the power to de-register anyone deemed unfit to provide child care services.

The welfare secretary also said the government had begun working on legislation to make the reporting of child abuse mandatory, and would train professionals in how to handle abuse cases.

The incident came to light on Friday, when the organisation running the foster home, the Society for the Protection of Children, announced that it is looking into suspected corporal punishment by staff. The home cares for children who are orphaned or abandoned, or who are referred there by the courts.

Police said they arrested three staff in connection with the case.

Two women, aged 23 and 44, appeared before Kwun Tong Court on Sunday to face one count each of assault by those in charge of child or young person.

The pair were released on bail of HK$10,000 until their next court appearance in February.

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