Editorial | Focus needed on staff guidelines in childcare
- Abuse scandals at several facilities have prompted a move towards more monitoring and stronger legal safeguards. But until then, there must be a review or re-emphasis of the proper way for children to be treated
Following a series of high-profile child abuse cases, it was encouraging to hear Hong Kong’s health minister promise to speed up the drafting of laws that would require professionals who work with children to report mistreatment cases.
The changes affecting teachers, social workers and doctors are now expected to be set for discussion with lawmakers in November, one month ahead of schedule, according to Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.
New legislation is being considered after disturbing allegations of abuse by staff at two leading residential childcare services providers, as well as at a special needs school run by a prominent organisation that cares for the mentally disabled.
Police and education authorities are investigating the cases and there have been arrests and suspensions. Some of the cases came to light because of inspections initiated by the authorities. Claims of mistreatment of pupils at the special needs school in Tai Po were raised by parents and media reports. The organisations involved in the cases are cooperating with investigators.
While it is important to wait for details in their findings, given the serious nature of the allegations, it is already clear that more vigorous legal protections and policy interventions are needed.