28 June 1989
一九八九年六月二十八日
75
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
香港立法局
Child abuse is something which we all view with repugnance, and it is important that we do all we can to guard against it. There are laws against the neglect or abuse of children, and also a comprehensive set of guidelines and procedures for dealing with suspected child abuse cases. If the Director of Social Welfare believes a child to be in physical or moral danger, she may remove the child from the home and apply to the Juvenile Court for a Care and Protection Order. The director is very much aware of the traumatic effect such action may have and she does not exercise this legal power unless it is in the best interest of the child. A review of the Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance has just been completed and we shall shortly be putting proposals to the Social Welfare Advisory Committee on how cases of suspected psychological abuse should be handled. Independently, we are considering, in conjunction with the voluntary sector whether the definition of child abuse can be improved so that it reflects more closely the circumstances in Hong Kong.
6.00 pm
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT: Mr. SHIPMAN, I am afraid I must interrupt you at that point because it is now 6 o'clock and under Standing Order 8(2) the Council should now adjourn.
CHIEF SECRETARY: Sir, with your consent, I move that Standing Order 8(2) should be suspended so as to allow the Council's business this afternoon to be completed.
Question proposed, put and agreed to.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT: Mr. SHIPMAN, please continue.
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: The Social Welfare Department and the voluntary sector try to educate parents on caring for their children and to encourage the community to report signs of possible abuse as early as possible. There are special centres to deal with reported cases. Persons who frequently come into contact with children, such as teachers and doctors, have an important responsibility to be alert to the signs of child abuse and to report suspected cases. To make people more aware of the dangers of child abuse and of the need to report suspicious circumstances, major publicity campaigns on this and related subjects have been held. Another such campaign, which will focus on responsible parenthood and child care will take place later