Hong Kong issues guide for reporting suspected child abuse. The Post takes a look

Hong Kong welfare authorities on Thursday issued a practical guide for professionals required to report child abuse cases under a new ordinance that will take effect on January 20, 2026.

Under the coming law, members of 25 professions across the social welfare, education and healthcare sectors will face up to three months in prison and a HK$50,000 (US$6,400) fine if they fail to report suspected child abuse cases.

The Post takes a look at the guide and asks professionals about how it could impact their work.

1. What does the new law involve?

The 25 professions that are required to report abuse include teachers, social workers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists, among others.

A report must be filed if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person below the age of 18 is suffering from serious harm, namely physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or is considered at risk.

A report will be deemed unnecessary if the professional honestly and reasonably believes that the serious harm was caused by an accident that was not the result of negligence, such as actions by the child or another youngster, unless the harm was of a sexual nature.

2. What about the guide?

Welfare authorities have come up with decision trees and supplementary analytical frameworks for reference, with the guide intended to complement, but not replace, their professional judgement. The factors to consider are based on case analyses and opinions collected from members of the relevant sectors.