The Social Welfare Department said on 16 October it had arranged for three siblings involved in a Tuen Mun child-welfare case to stay at a children’s residential home for transitional care.
The case drew attention after a video showed the girl carrying two large bags of beer at Fu Tai Estate.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare had earlier said that, following a department assessment, the children were not considered suitable to return home immediately and temporary accommodation would be arranged.
The children’s mother and stepfather were arrested on suspicion of ill-treating or neglecting a child in their care. Both were later released on bail pending investigation.
Social workers are keeping in contact with the family and working with medical staff, schools and the residential home to support the children’s care and protection. Professionals are assessing the children’s and family’s circumstances and needs. The department said a multidisciplinary case meeting would draw up welfare and care arrangements for the siblings, alongside support and counselling for the family.