Editorial | Expansion of Hong Kong record checks long overdue
- Hong Kong to close loophole that left vulnerable open to potential abuse by self-employed tutors, coaches and volunteer workers
A scheme to allow for criminal record checks on new employees working with children or mentally disabled people, to reveal any history of sex offences, was introduced in Hong Kong in 2011. It was much needed, but limited in scope.
The system, in place today, only applies to potential staff members at organisations and enterprises such as sports clubs or music centres. Self-employed tutors, coaches or volunteer workers are not covered.
This has long been recognised as a glaring loophole. It exposes the vulnerable to potential abuse.
A long overdue expansion of the scheme, which was only intended to be an interim measure when launched, is due later this year. It will be widened to include self-employed people and volunteers.
It will mean parents hiring people such as private tutors will be able to request them to check their police record and provide details.
This is a necessary step. There have, sadly, been numerous cases of sexual abuse over the years, perpetrated by people in such positions.
Last year, a volunteer at a community centre was jailed for indecently assaulting a six-year-old girl. He had previously been convicted in 2015 of attacking two young girls and possessing child pornography.