TNAG-1449-FCO40-1953-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 30

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13.

The UMELCO Panel have recommended that the Mental

A comprehensive review

Health Ordinance should be reviewed.

of this Ordinance, including the appeal and release

procedures, has been underway for some time now, and

consultations with relevant organisations on a set of detailed proposals are now in progress. An amendment Bill to give effect to these proposals has already been drafted and, subject to the necessary approval, I expect that this Bill will be introduced in this Council early in the next session.

14.

Madam Wong was made aware of her rights and of the avenues of appeal in respect of her admission to Kwai Chung Hospital and over the taking of her child into care. Following the decision to proceed with the removal order on her daughter, SWD staff explained her right under section 35(4) of the Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance to apply to the Director of Social Welfare or to a magistrate for the order to be discharged. She was repeatedly offered assistance in obtaining legal representation, from the Legal Aid Department or elsewhere, but declined.

Madam Wong was

present at the court hearing on 28 May, its purpose was explained to her both before and during the hearing, and she agreed to the arrangements proposed for the care of her child. Madam Wong will have legal representation at the

resumed hearing on 31 July.

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