APSS Co-hosted “The Law, The Duty, The Action” Forum with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home

In collaboration with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and the Professional Practice and Assessment Centre (PPAC) jointly co-organised "The Law, The Duty, The Action" Forum on 30 September 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).  This forum was officiated by Mr Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government and Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho-Ming, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Council of S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home.

The forum featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions led by prominent speakers, including Legislative Councillors, medical and healthcare professionals, school principals, and human services practitioners. Two speakers from PolyU at the Roundtable Discussion were Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Prof Grace HO, Associate Professor of School of Nursing. Their presentations and discussions were concerned with what risks different groups of Hong Kong professionals face in new law to prevent and report child abuse, and their preparatory work for implementing the mandatory reporting regime (MRR) for child abuse cases.

Mandatory child abuse reporting ordinances impact the professions of social workers, teachers, and healthcare providers by creating a clear legal obligation to report suspected serious harm, thereby increasing the number of early interventions and providing a deterrent to child abuse. This legislation provides legal protections for mandated reporters, but also imposes potential criminal liability for non-compliance. The ordinance necessitates improved training, enhanced cross-sector collaboration, and a robust supportive infrastructure to ensure effective implementation and a comprehensive child protection system. 

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