Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse – Key Concepts & Procedures

Flashcards summarise key definitions, legal duties, serious-harm categories, exemptions, reporting procedures, decision-tree logic, and multi-disciplinary follow-up from the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance and the Guide for Mandated Reporters.

Who is considered a “child” under the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance?

Any person below the age of 18.

What triggers a mandated reporter’s legal duty to report?

Having reasonable grounds, during the course of work, to suspect a child is suffering serious harm or at real risk of suffering serious harm.

Name three sectors that contain the 25 categories of specified professionals.

Social welfare, education and healthcare sectors.

In an emergency (life-threatening risk or crime in progress), which number should a mandated reporter dial?

999 (Emergency Call Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force).

Which two authorities can receive a mandatory report?

The Director of Social Welfare (SWD) or the Commissioner of Police.

Give two examples of physical harm that automatically meets the ‘serious harm’ threshold.

Loss of any limb/function of a limb, fracture of any bone (other accepted answers: loss of sight/hearing, internal organ injury, burns, severe haemorrhage, loss of consciousness).

Define ‘psychological serious harm’ under Schedule 2.

Harm that endangers a child’s psychological health or development, including mental derangement or prolonged psychological trauma (excluding normal emotional reactions to life events).

List any act that constitutes serious sexual harm requiring a report.

Rape, incest, buggery, sexual intercourse or any act of gross indecency involving a child.

What are the two broad categories of neglect recognised as serious harm?

Failing to provide necessities for life/health and exposing a child to a dangerous situation or environment.

Within what time frame must a mandated reporter make the report?

As soon as practicable after the reasonable suspicion arises.

What three pieces of information are legally required in a written report?

1) Enough details to identify the child, 2) The ground for suspecting serious harm/real risk, 3) Contact information of the reporter.

Which online tool is used to submit the written report?

The Reporting Platform – Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse (mobile-responsive web application).

What is provided to the reporter after submitting the report on the platform?

An acknowledgement of receipt containing the submission date.

If a report has already been made by another mandated reporter about the same harm, does a second reporter still have to report?

No, if the reporter honestly and reasonably believes the same (or substantially the same) serious harm has already been reported.

Section 5 offers a legal defence for delayed reporting. State the two conditions required.

1) The delay was honestly and reasonably believed to be in the child’s best interests; 2) Reasonably necessary protective action was taken during the delay.

Does the Ordinance apply extra-territorially?

No. The non-reporting offence has no extra-territorial effect.

Name two circumstances under which a specified professional is NOT required to report (Ordinance s.4(2)(a)).

1) Harm caused solely by an accident not due to neglect, 2) Harm caused solely by the child him/herself (or solely by another child except sexual acts).

What is the purpose of the Decision Trees in the Guide?

To provide quick reference diagrams showing factors that typically trigger mandatory reporting; they supplement but do not replace professional judgement.

If information is insufficient to decide, which Decision-Tree outcome is chosen?

‘Further Exploration’— gather more data before deciding.

Which service unit of SWD specialises in child-protection casework?

Family and Child Protective Services Unit (FCPSU).

Who chairs a Multi-disciplinary Case Conference on Protection of Child with Suspected Maltreatment (MDCC)?

The officer-in-charge / supervisor / senior social worker of the unit conducting the social enquiry.

Give one key function of an MDCC.

To assess risk and formulate a follow-up child-protection plan involving all relevant professionals.

What immediate actions may Police/FCPSU take upon a serious harm report?

Arrange urgent medical care, remove the child to a refuge, arrest suspected abuser, or apply for a care/protection order.

What form of written statement can cover multiple reporters from the same team?

Team reporting: one designated member submits the report, listing other reporters in the ‘Other Reporters’ section.

Name any two items a mandated reporter should try to gather before calling the Authority.

1) Child’s full name and age, 2) Brief account of the incident (other valid answers: whereabouts, injuries, alleged abuser identity, siblings, services involved, etc.).

What offence is created by wilfully inhibiting or obstructing a mandated reporter?

The person commits the same offence and faces the same penalty as failing to report.

State the maximum penalty for a mandated reporter who fails to report without reasonable excuse.

HK$50,000 and imprisonment for 3 months (Level 5 fine and 3 months).

What key information about the reporter must be included in the report?

Name, profession, organisation/service unit, and contact details.

In neglect for supervision, give an example of ‘responsible person absent beyond reasonable limit’.

Leaving a toddler alone in a flat while the caregiver goes out shopping.

Identify one protective factor that reduces ‘real risk’ in the neglect Decision Trees.

Stable school attendance allowing timely monitoring; or another willing protective adult, etc.

For psychological abuse, what extreme behaviour is highlighted as ‘severe threat’?

Responsible person repeatedly terrorising the child by life-threatening threats to pets or family members.

What is online sexual grooming according to the Guide?

Use of the Internet to build trust/manipulate a child for sexual exploitation, extended into an offline meeting.

What service may provide crisis accommodation for an abused child and caregiver together?

Refuge centres or crisis support centres operated by NGOs.

Which SWD online training module covers legal/reporting knowledge of the Ordinance?

Child Protection Online Training – Module 2.

Which two organisations must receive the written report once submitted via the Reporting Platform?

SWD’s Family and Child Protective Services Unit and the Hong Kong Police Force.

When may a newborn positive to dangerous drugs amount to mandatory reporting?

If the drug exposure has endangered the infant’s life/health or there is real risk of serious harm, as assessed medically.

What is the role of a Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU)?

A dedicated Police unit that investigates complicated child maltreatment cases and works jointly with FCPSU.

Definition of "report" under the Ordinance.

A report made under s.4(1) concerning a child suffering serious harm or at real risk thereof, made by a specified professional to the Authority.

Can a mandated reporter promise confidentiality to a child about abuse disclosure?

No. The reporter must explain the duty to report and cannot guarantee confidentiality.

Give an example of neglect for living conditions linked to drug abuse.

Caregiver manufacturing or using drugs at home, exposing the child to drug fumes or paraphernalia.

What form lists ‘Suggested Support / Follow-up Areas’ for service referral under the Guide?

Form 1a (Referral for Follow-up Services).

Which Ordinance sections deal specifically with cruelty to children?

Sections 26 & 27 of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance (Cap 212).

Describe ‘serious harm’ in one sentence.

A level of physical, psychological, sexual or neglect-related harm that endangers a child’s life, health or development as explicitly set out in Schedule 2.

What is the core purpose of mandatory reporting?

To create an effective protection web for children by ensuring early detection and intervention in serious abuse cases.

How many decision trees for neglect are provided in the Guide?

Four – covering supervision/care, living conditions/environment, personal hygiene/clothing, and diet.

Under Section 9, what kinds of employer policies are illegal?

Any guideline or requirement that wilfully inhibits or obstructs a specified professional from reporting.