Professional Forum on Child Protection 2026

"A Multi-disciplinary Forum on Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse: From Legislation to Practice – Challenges and Responses"

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the Ordinance) came into effect on 20 January 2026. In response to this, Against Child Abuse held a Professional Forum on Child Protection titled "A Multi-disciplinary Forum on Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse: From Legislation to Practice – Challenges and Responses" on 13 March 2026, attracting around 120 professionals. The event opened with a welcome speech by Prof. Patrick Cheung, BBS, ACA Chairperson, followed by three presentations: Dr. Maple Lau, ACA Director, on "Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse – Views of Designated Professionals"; Ms. Jade Chan, Superintendent of Police (Crime Support Group), and Ms. Amy Au Yeung, Senior Social Work Officer (FCPSU Kwun Tong), both on "Implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse". The forum culminated in a panel discussion on "Sectoral Collaboration in Implementing Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse" featuring representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force, Ms. Jade Chan; Social Welfare Department, Ms. Amy Au Yeung; health sector, Dr. Anna Cheng, United Christian Hospital; education sector, Ms. Catherine So, Principal of S.K.H. Yautong Kei Hin Primary School; and social work sector, Ms. Cynthia Cheng, ACA Service Manager (Chuk Yuen Centre).  Participants gave positive feedback on the practical insights and cross-sector dialogue.

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The captioned professional forum concluded successfully, thanks to the in-depth and sincere sharing by all speakers drawing on their professional expertise, as well as the approximately 120 professionals from diverse sectors who took time to attend and actively engage, contributing valuable frontline experience and perspectives to the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance. Protecting children is not a task for any single profession alone, but a collective responsibility of the entire society; all are cordially invited to continue safeguarding children and fostering collaboration from their respective roles, ensuring every child grows up in safety and love.