Over 100,000 professionals in Hong Kong, including teachers, social workers, and doctors, are required by law to report any suspected child abuse cases they detect.

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill was passed on Thursday. It mandates professionals in 25 designated fields to report any cases of suspected child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives. The bill defines a child as a person under the age of 18.

The bill requires professionals in 25 designated fields including teachers, social workers, and healthcare practitioners to report any cases of child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill was passed on Thursday. It mandates professionals in 25 designated fields to report any cases of suspected child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives. The bill defines a child as a person under the age of 18.

The legislation introduces a two-tier penalty system for those professionals who fail to fulfill their duty. The maximum penalty for noncompliance is three months in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,403).

The compulsory reporting system will begin operation 18 months after the law was signed by the chief executive and gazetted.

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Guided by the principle of prioritizing the well-being of children, the law aims to strengthen the protection of minors and bring more crimes to light, said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yukhan following the bill’s passage.

He said that the professionals covered will join forces with the government to protect youngsters, and that the web of protection will be enhanced by the participation of those from additional sectors.

Sun said the government will make use of the coming 18 months to ensure that the professionals get the necessary training by the time the legislation comes into effect.

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The authorities will put in place additional facilities and homes to cater for the expected increase in cases of reporting, he said.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu, who also chairs the legislation’s Bills Committee, said the professionals are capable of identifying the risks to children of abuse and of following up cases professionally, given the nature of their work. Only those who do not report or follow up on suspected cases will be in contravention of the law, he added.

stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com