A review mechanism is expected to be ready later this year to identify improvements for prevention and intervention of child abuse, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

Under the mechanism, the bureau will conduct a multi-disciplinary review of fatal child abuse cases. It will also refer to the UK's experience in developing a domestic homicide review mechanism.

He told lawmakers today enhanced measures have been adopted and additional resources offered to support and strengthen family functions and to tackle family crisis since 2004. These measures have helped improve government services and support for victims of domestic violence.

The Government has boosted resources and made more effective use of community resources to boost family education and launch a programme to reach out to those who had not sought help to address their problems and to assist them at an early stage.

Dr Chow stressed the Government would continue collaborating with other groups to enhance the prevention and handling of domestic violence.

Integrated services

Dr Chow said of the new or re-activated cases integrated family services centres had taken on in 2005-06, 1,043 were related to new-arrival families. These represented about 2.8% of the total number of cases. Of them, 177 involved marriage problems or relationship problems among the couples.

The centres also offer marriage counselling for retired people. A safety net for seniors in need is also provided through social-security assistance and heavily-subsidised services, including public healthcare, elderly care and public housing.