Hong Kong is taking a significant step forward in child protection with the launch of a comprehensive guide designed to help professionals identify and report serious child abuse cases. Announced on July 24, 2025, by Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun, this initiative marks a crucial milestone in safeguarding vulnerable children through the upcoming Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance.
Starting January 20, 2026, 25 categories of professionals from social welfare, education, and healthcare sectors will be legally required to report instances of significant child abuse. To support these mandated reporters, the government has developed an innovative guide that provides clear, practical guidance for navigating complex child protection scenarios.
The development of this guide was a meticulous process involving extensive professional collaboration. In early 2024, three specialized consultative panels were established—one for each sector—comprising cross-disciplinary experts who dedicated themselves to creating a robust resource. These panels conducted an impressive 33 focus group meetings, gathering insights from 540 frontline professionals and reviewing 650 case scenarios and questions.
A standout feature of this initiative is the electronic decision-making system developed by the Social Welfare Department. This digital tool allows mandated reporters to quickly analyze potential child abuse cases by answering a series of simple questions. When necessary, the system can directly guide users to a reporting page, ensuring timely and efficient reporting of serious cases.
The accompanying online learning course, set to roll out in phases, will provide additional support for specified professionals. Module 2 of this course will cover critical aspects of the new ordinance, including the legal framework, reporting procedures, and post-reporting follow-up actions. Professionals will gain insights into the child protection guide, learn to analyze common scenarios, and understand how to navigate the reporting process effectively.
The decision trees within the guide represent a particularly innovative approach to supporting mandated reporters. These structured tools were developed through extensive professional exchanges, providing a systematic method for assessing potential child abuse situations. By offering a clear framework, the guide helps professionals make informed and consistent decisions about reporting.
What makes this initiative truly remarkable is its collaborative approach. By involving 540 frontline professionals across different sectors, the government has ensured that the guide reflects real-world experiences and challenges. The extensive consultation process—involving 33 focus group meetings and reviewing 650 case scenarios—demonstrates a commitment to creating a comprehensive and practical resource.
The launch of this child protection guide represents more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s a unified effort to create a robust protection network for children. By equipping professionals with clear guidelines, structured decision-making tools, and accessible digital resources, Hong Kong is taking a proactive stance in identifying and addressing serious child abuse cases.
As the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance approaches implementation, this guide stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to child welfare. It provides a clear, supportive framework that empowers professionals to take decisive action in protecting vulnerable children, ultimately creating a safer environment for those who need protection most.
