A number of incidents in Hong Kong have indicated that our child welfare policy and the lack of support for parents to care for their children should be carefully reviewed, for the sake of the children.
Proper welfare for children means adequate physical, social and psychological care for those who are too young to take care of themselves. Tin Shui Wai is characterised by a high percentage of low-income families, the highest unemployment rate, the highest rate of reported family abuse and single-parent families. Often there is no adult supervision, if parents are working long hours. Very young children are often seen wandering around the streets late in the evening.
Physically exhausted parents are often under so much stress that they do not have the patience that is needed to look after their children.
This can lead to a low level of tolerance and their children misbehave. Unemployed parents or parents with mental health problems or addictions, are likely to need assistance in the care of their children.
There is also a lack of recreational amenities. In Tin Shui Wai, playgrounds are too small and are often packed, as is the library.
Suitable help should be made available by the government to help parents who have difficulties, for example, having childcare centres for children with working parents.
