Panel's support for a review of the Protection of Wome and
Juveniles Ordinance, and will give further thought on how this
should be undertaken. The Social Welfare Advisory Committee
will be consulted on our proposals in due course. While I
accept the Panel's observation on the need for checks and
balances, it would appear also from this case that the grounds
which permit a social worker to intervene in the interests of
The Panel have the child may be too narrowly defined. expressed concern about young children being left alone at
home. All aspects of this problem will be examined, including
the possibility that it should become a ground for the
Director to exercise her powers under the Ordinance.
7.
Turning to the break-in itself: the additional
information which led the departmental staff to conclude that they did have grounds for taking action under the Ordinance
was not received until 6 May, when Madam Wong's former husband provided the Department with information about Madam Wong's
behaviour which indicated that she might be mentally
ill.
Subsequent enquiries tended to support this impression.
An order was then issued by the District Social welfare
to a place Officer on 8 May providing for Ah-nui to be removed of refuge pending further investigations, in accordance with
section 35(1)(a) of the Ordinance. As efforts to gain access
to the child had been unsuccessful and as Madam wong remained unwilling to open the door, the departmental staff decided, in
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.