- 3
accepted that it was not satisfactory for departmental staff to rely on second-hand information to reach the initial view
that this was not a serious case of child abuse or neglect. On 15 May all staff concerned were reminded of the need to have early access to any child alleged to be at risk, and
suitable guidelines are being drafted for inclusion in the department's operational manual. Following the indication which I gave in this Council on 23 July, the Director has now
submitted a request for the necessary resources to make further improvements in the manning scale at the family
services centres.
6.
In considering this aspect of the case, we should bear in mind also that the Director of Social Welfare's powers
under the Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance to
intervene in the relationship between parent and child, including the power to require the parent to produce the child, generally arise only when there is reason to believe that the child is in physical or moral danger. The information available at an early stage of the case did not point to such dangers. Madam Wong had made fully clear by her words and actions that she did not accept the caseworker's offers of assistance and that she did not wish her privacy to be intruded upon. It was only at a later stage that there was
I welcome the clear evidence that she was mentally ill.