Child Protection Campaign launched
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, who chairs the Commission on Children, today hosted the Child Protection Campaign launch ceremony at Victoria House, marking the one-year countdown to the commencement of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance.
The campaign aims to promote the message of “child protection is the responsibility of all” to members of the public.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr Chan said the Legislative Council’s passage of the ordinance in July last year marked an important milestone of Hong Kong’s efforts on child protection.
Upon the commencement of the ordinance on January 20, 2026, specified professionals in the social welfare, education and healthcare sectors are required to report serious child abuse cases for the purpose of early identification and intervention.
Mr Chan added that to complement the new legislation, the Government is actively preparing, together with the sectors, for the implementation of the mandatory reporting regime.
These include the provision of training for mandated reporters, formulation of the Mandated Reporter Guide, an increase of emergency places for residential child care, and enhancement of professional support for child abuse victims and their families with a view to ensuring that the various support measures are properly put in place upon the ordinance’s commencement.
That way, the mandated reporters can discharge their statutory duties, and children and families in need can receive appropriate and timely care.
At the same time, the Government will strengthen the prevention of child abuse at the source. The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address the setting up of four Community Parents & Children Centres on a pilot basis with a view to starting operations progressively from 2026.
These centres will promote parent-child interaction through play-based services, instil positive parenting skills in parents, render support for families with parenting needs, and refer families in need to various appropriate services of the Government and the community.
Following the launch of the Child Protection Campaign today, the Government will roll out a series of activities in phases.
These include hosting seminars for relevant professions, promulgating the Mandated Reporter Guide and launching Child Protection Online Training Module 2. Meanwhile, the commission will also hold public and stakeholder engagement activities.
Mr Chan urged professionals and all sectors of society to actively support and participate in promoting the mandatory reporting regime for child abuse and the messages for child protection.
He also officiated at a pledging ceremony where he witnessed children presenting potted seedlings to professionals from 25 specified categories, including those in the social welfare, education, and healthcare sectors, to symbolise the commitment of the professionals to protect children and promote their healthy and happy growth.
The event was attended by around 100 participants, including children, legislators, professionals from the social welfare, education, and healthcare sectors as well as stakeholders closely related to children’s welfare.