Consultation: Proposed mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse cases

1. The government is going to consult stakeholders of the healthcare sector in August 2021, on proposed mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse cases through legislation.  The consultation paper is expected to be available openly later.
2. On 16 May 2019, the Causing or Allowing the Death of a Child or Vulnerable Adult Sub-committee of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) released a consultation paper making preliminary proposals for reform of the law relating to the criminal liability of parents, carers and others when children or vulnerable adults die or are seriously harmed as a result of abuse or neglect while in their care. https://www.hkreform.gov.hk/en/publications/cadcva.htm
3. In October 2019, the Ombudsman recommended "mandatory reporting" of suspected child abuse. https://ofomb.ombudsman.hk/abc/files/DI419_-_Report_Full_set_TC.docx
4. Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse cases. Prepared by Research Office, Information Services Division, Legislative Council Secretariat. 1 December 2020.  https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/essentials-2021ise08-mandatory-reporting-of-suspected-child-abuse-cases.htm
5. On 10 May 2021, discussion on the issue of "Formulating a mandatory reporting mechanism for child abuse cases and strengthening the prevention of child abuse" was conducted in the Panel on Welfare Services of Legco. https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr20-21/english/panels/ws/agenda/ws20210510.htm

Dr. Pierre Chan