The Social Welfare Department plans to place three siblings in temporary residential care after their hospital checks, following an assessment that they should not return home for now. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han gave the update on October 9.
The children were still in hospital and were expected to leave on October 9 or the following day. The case drew public attention after a video showed a girl carrying two large bags of beer at Fu Tai Estate. Their mother and stepfather were released on bail on October 8 after being arrested on suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
The siblings may not be able to stay together in residential care because of age-related considerations. They are to remain in care while longer-term arrangements are considered.
Separately, the department is reviewing the family’s Comprehensive Social Security Assistance case. Any action will depend on the review’s findings.
The department will gather information before convening a multidisciplinary case conference, expected in about a week. The assessment will consider the children’s needs, family circumstances and safety risks, and inform their longer-term care. If it finds the circumstances or risks unsuitable, the department may apply to court for a care or protection order; Sun said no decision had been made.