Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance
Key Features
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (“the Ordinance”) (Cap. 650) mandates specified professionals in the social welfare sector, education sector and healthcare sector to report serious child abuse cases, thereby creating a wide and effective protection web for children and sending a strong deterrent to potential perpetrators that their abuse behaviours will easily be exposed.
The Ordinance defines a “child” as a person below the age of 18 years, and designates 25 categories of specified professionals from the three sectors as “mandated reporters”. These professionals are required to make a report as soon as practicable if they, during the course of their work, have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is suffering or is at real risk of suffering serious harm. A report must be made in the way specified by the Director of Social Welfare. Non-compliance may result in a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment and a fine of $50,000. The Ordinance also provides statutory defence and legal protection for mandated reporters.
Useful Resources
Child Protection Online Training