Assistant Director of Social Welfare Anna Mak says the Government is planning to expand its childcare services from October, adding that existing laws are sufficient to protect children from ill-treatment and negligence.

Speaking on radio talk shows today, Mrs Mak said the department has 200 childcare centres providing 500 places for families in need with the average usage rate at 73%.

She said the department understood that childcare services needed flexibility, adding that more resource will be allocated to improve odd-hour services. It will consider extending opening hours until late in the evening and provide special services on Sundays and holidays.

Mrs Mak said parent negligence is the main cause of increasing cases of child neglect. She urged parents not to leave young children unattended and to seek help from social workers or relatives in emergencies.

The department is following up on last Sunday's tragedy in which two home-alone toddlers were seriously burned in Tuen Mun.

She said the department's integrated family service centre received a request for financial aid from the family in January but no childcare assistance was sought while their case was being assessed.