Family and Child Welfare

FAQs

If I want to strengthen my family relationship and seek child care support. What services are available?
My domestic helper who used to take care of my children in the daytime will be on leave for 2 weeks. What kind of day service can help me take care of my children during her leave?
I have difficulty in taking care of my child. What kinds of residential child care services are available and how can I apply for them?
I am undergoing divorce. I feel extremely frustrated as my husband/wife intends to claim the custody of my son. I also worry about my need to support the family single-handedly. Are there any services to help me?
I often have difficulties in cooperating with my ex-wife/ex-husband on the care and access arrangement of our daughter. Where can I seek help?
What can I do if I suspect that a child has been abused?
What will happen after I report a suspected child abuse case?
What kind of services is provided by Family and Child Protective Services Units to victims of spouse / cohabitant battering and their families?
What will caseworkers of Family and Child Protective Services Units do to assist victims of spouse / cohabitant battering in critical situation?
My friend is a victim of sexual violence, are there any services to help her/him?
How can I access to information on support services for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence?
What can I do if I suspect that an elder person has been abused?
How do the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organisations assist the street sleepers? How can I refer street sleepers for assistance?

Q1:	If I want to strengthen my family relationship and seek child care support. What services are available?
A1:	The 65 Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) over the territory and 2 Integrated Services Centres (ISCs) in Tung Chung provide a range of preventive, supportive and remedial family services including enquiry service, community resource and information, family life education, parent-child activities, counseling service, referral service, etc. You may approach the IFSC/ ISC which geographical service boundary covers your residential address for service. The social workers would provide advice/ assistance on family relationship and child care arrangement. (You can download their addresses and telephone numbers here).

Q1:

If I want to strengthen my family relationship and seek child care support. What services are available?

A1:

The 65 Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) over the territory and 2 Integrated Services Centres (ISCs) in Tung Chung provide a range of preventive, supportive and remedial family services including enquiry service, community resource and information, family life education, parent-child activities, counseling service, referral service, etc. You may approach the IFSC/ ISC which geographical service boundary covers your residential address for service. The social workers would provide advice/ assistance on family relationship and child care arrangement. (You can download their addresses and telephone numbers here).

Q2:	My domestic helper who used to take care of my children in the daytime will be on leave for 2 weeks. What kind of day service can help me take care of my children during her leave?
A2:	To assist parents who cannot take care of their young children because of work or other reasons, the Social Welfare Department subsidises non-governmental organisations to provide different types of child care services to meet the needs of parents and their young children. For more detailed information of day child care services, please click here.

Q3:	I have difficulty in taking care of my child. What kinds of residential child care services are available and how can I apply for them?
A3:	Residential child care services provide care and supervision for children and young persons under the age of 21 who cannot be adequately cared for by their families because of various reasons such as family crisis, behavioural problem or emotional problem. If residential child care service is considered necessary, parents or guardians may approach welfare service units in the community, such as integrated family service centres, medical social service unit or school social work unit, for assistance. Social worker will assess the need for placement and where applicable, refer the child to respective central referral systems for matching of suitable placement, or to service unit providing emergency placement as an interim arrangement.

Q3:

I have difficulty in taking care of my child. What kinds of residential child care services are available and how can I apply for them?

A3:

Residential child care services provide care and supervision for children and young persons under the age of 21 who cannot be adequately cared for by their families because of various reasons such as family crisis, behavioural problem or emotional problem.

If residential child care service is considered necessary, parents or guardians may approach welfare service units in the community, such as integrated family service centres, medical social service unit or school social work unit, for assistance. Social worker will assess the need for placement and where applicable, refer the child to respective central referral systems for matching of suitable placement, or to service unit providing emergency placement as an interim arrangement.

Q4:	I am undergoing divorce. I feel extremely frustrated as my husband/wife intends to claim the custody of my son. I also worry about my need to support the family single-handedly. Are there any services to help me?
A4:	Divorce brings significant psychological impact and changes in life to the couple and their children. Social workers of Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Services Centres provide support to you in coping with the changes and stress arising from divorce. Being a single parent, you may need support to cope with the financial, emotional and social problems. You are encouraged to approach the Integrated Family Service Centre/ Integrated Service Centre serving your residential area or your responsible social worker of Family and Child Protective Services Unit for assistance. The services and programmes provided by the centres, such as supportive counselling, information on community resources, family life education programmes, parent-child activities, support/mutual help groups, etc., may help you adjust to single parenthood and develop community support and mutual help network. For information about the Integrated Family Service Centres/Integrated Service Centres, please visit here for details. Besides, when considers necessary, the Family Court will refer divorce cases having dispute on child custody and access arrangement to our Department for social enquiry reports. As directed by the court, Social Work Officers of our Department will conduct investigation, provide social enquiry reports on issues concerned and make suitable recommendation in the best interests of the children.

Q4:

I am undergoing divorce. I feel extremely frustrated as my husband/wife intends to claim the custody of my son. I also worry about my need to support the family single-handedly. Are there any services to help me?

A4:

Divorce brings significant psychological impact and changes in life to the couple and their children. Social workers of Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Services Centres provide support to you in coping with the changes and stress arising from divorce.

Being a single parent, you may need support to cope with the financial, emotional and social problems. You are encouraged to approach the Integrated Family Service Centre/ Integrated Service Centre serving your residential area or your responsible social worker of Family and Child Protective Services Unit for assistance. The services and programmes provided by the centres, such as supportive counselling, information on community resources, family life education programmes, parent-child activities, support/mutual help groups, etc., may help you adjust to single parenthood and develop community support and mutual help network.

For information about the Integrated Family Service Centres/Integrated Service Centres, please visit here for details.

Besides, when considers necessary, the Family Court will refer divorce cases having dispute on child custody and access arrangement to our Department for social enquiry reports. As directed by the court, Social Work Officers of our Department will conduct investigation, provide social enquiry reports on issues concerned and make suitable recommendation in the best interests of the children.

Q5:	I often have difficulties in cooperating with my ex-wife/ex-husband on the care and access arrangement of our daughter. Where can I seek help?
A5:	The divorce of parents has brought significant changes to the children’s life. If there are problems in parents’ coordination of child care and access arrangement, both the parents and children will be further distressed. Social workers of the Specialised Co-parenting Support Centres provide one-stop support services, including professional counselling, parenting coordination and child contact services to you. You and your children may also join the group activities and programmes organised by the Specialised Co-parenting Support Centres. Please visit here for the relevant information of the Specialised Co-parenting Support Centres. Besides, whenever necessary, you may seek direction from the Family Court or Family Mediation Service in respect of custody and access disputes. For information of Family Mediation Service, you may visit the webpage of the Judiciary.

Q5:

I often have difficulties in cooperating with my ex-wife/ex-husband on the care and access arrangement of our daughter. Where can I seek help?

A5:

The divorce of parents has brought significant changes to the children’s life. If there are problems in parents’ coordination of child care and access arrangement, both the parents and children will be further distressed. Social workers of the Specialised Co-parenting Support Centres provide one-stop support services, including professional counselling, parenting coordination and child contact services to you. You and your children may also join the group activities and programmes organised by the Specialised Co-parenting Support Centres. Please visit here for the relevant information of the Specialised Co-parenting Support Centres. Besides, whenever necessary, you may seek direction from the Family Court or Family Mediation Service in respect of custody and access disputes. For information of Family Mediation Service, you may visit the webpage of the Judiciary.

Q6:	What can I do if I suspect that a child has been abused?
A6:	If you suspect that a child has been abused, you can call the following units for assistance: The telephone number and address of Family and Child Protective Services Units of Social Welfare Department can be downloaded here. Hotline of Social Welfare Department at 2343 2255. You can also approach professionals you are familiar with, such as teachers, child care workers, student guidance teachers, social workers, doctors, etc. or call the police for assistance.

Q6:

What can I do if I suspect that a child has been abused?

A6:

If you suspect that a child has been abused, you can call the following units for assistance:

The telephone number and address of Family and Child Protective Services Units of Social Welfare Department can be downloaded here.
Hotline of Social Welfare Department at 2343 2255.
You can also approach professionals you are familiar with, such as teachers, child care workers, student guidance teachers, social workers, doctors, etc. or call the police for assistance.

Q7:	What will happen after I report a suspected child abuse case?
A7:	Upon receipt of the report, social workers of the Family and Child Protective Services Units of the Social Welfare Department would contact the child and family to investigate. The social worker would assess the child's condition, risk level and, if deemed necessary for the protection of the child, send the child to hospital or other suitable places for medical examination and treatment, or arrange temporary out-of-home care for the child. Police may be involved if circumstances suggest that criminal offence may have been committed. A multi-disciplinary case conference will be held among doctors, social workers, teachers, police, clinical psychologist, etc. who know the family to consider factors, like severity of injuries and psychological harm to the child, for formulating a welfare plan for the child. The conference will also consider appropriate services to help the family.

Q7:

What will happen after I report a suspected child abuse case?

A7:

Upon receipt of the report, social workers of the Family and Child Protective Services Units of the Social Welfare Department would contact the child and family to investigate. The social worker would assess the child's condition, risk level and, if deemed necessary for the protection of the child, send the child to hospital or other suitable places for medical examination and treatment, or arrange temporary out-of-home care for the child. Police may be involved if circumstances suggest that criminal offence may have been committed. A multi-disciplinary case conference will be held among doctors, social workers, teachers, police, clinical psychologist, etc. who know the family to consider factors, like severity of injuries and psychological harm to the child, for formulating a welfare plan for the child. The conference will also consider appropriate services to help the family.

Q8:	What kind of services is provided by Family and Child Protective Services Units to victims of spouse / cohabitant battering and their families?
A8:	Social workers of Family and Child Protective Services Units (FCPSUs) deliver a series of crisis intervention and supportive services to victims and batterers of spouse / cohabitant battering and their families, which includes casework counseling and group work services as well as referrals to other supportive services such as clinical psychological service, temporary accommodation, financial assistance, child care service etc. Social workers of FCPSUs also launch public education programme to enhance public awareness on domestic violence and prevent domestic violence from happening. The addresses and contacts of FCPSUs can be downloaded from here.

Q8:

What kind of services is provided by Family and Child Protective Services Units to victims of spouse / cohabitant battering and their families?

A8:

Social workers of Family and Child Protective Services Units (FCPSUs) deliver a series of crisis intervention and supportive services to victims and batterers of spouse / cohabitant battering and their families, which includes casework counseling and group work services as well as referrals to other supportive services such as clinical psychological service, temporary accommodation, financial assistance, child care service etc. Social workers of FCPSUs also launch public education programme to enhance public awareness on domestic violence and prevent domestic violence from happening. The addresses and contacts of FCPSUs can be downloaded from here.

Q9:	What will caseworkers of Family and Child Protective Services Units do to assist victims of spouse / cohabitant battering in critical situation?
A9:	Social workers of Family and Child Protective Services Units (FCPSUs) will, upon assessment of the situation, provide outreach service and/or immediate counseling and/or referral service to domestic violence cases which are facing critical situations. When the safety of the victims and dependent child(ren) is at risk, social workers of FCPSUs will enlist the police's assistance and escort them to attend medical examination at A&E Department as well as admit to emergency residential service as appropriate.

Q9:

What will caseworkers of Family and Child Protective Services Units do to assist victims of spouse / cohabitant battering in critical situation?

A9:

Social workers of Family and Child Protective Services Units (FCPSUs) will, upon assessment of the situation, provide outreach service and/or immediate counseling and/or referral service to domestic violence cases which are facing critical situations. When the safety of the victims and dependent child(ren) is at risk, social workers of FCPSUs will enlist the police's assistance and escort them to attend medical examination at A&E Department as well as admit to emergency residential service as appropriate.

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Q10:	My friend is a victim of sexual violence, are there any services to help her/him?
A10:	Victim of sexual violence can call the 24-hour hotline (18281) operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre for assistance. The designated social workers of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre will provide 24-hour one-stop and immediate outreaching services, which include arranging / accompanying victims to the nearest hospital with Accident and Emergency Department for immediate medical services, during statement-taking by the Police and examination by Forensic Pathologist and to the designated clinic for medical after-care services. It also provides emotional support, counselling, referrals for emergency placement and other community support services, and assistance to the victims in facing court proceedings if required. The ultimate goal of services is to assist him / her to overcome the trauma, rebuild his / her self-esteem and self-confidence and resume normal living.

Q10:

My friend is a victim of sexual violence, are there any services to help her/him?

A10:

Victim of sexual violence can call the 24-hour hotline (18281) operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre for assistance. The designated social workers of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre will provide 24-hour one-stop and immediate outreaching services, which include arranging / accompanying victims to the nearest hospital with Accident and Emergency Department for immediate medical services, during statement-taking by the Police and examination by Forensic Pathologist and to the designated clinic for medical after-care services. It also provides emotional support, counselling, referrals for emergency placement and other community support services, and assistance to the victims in facing court proceedings if required. The ultimate goal of services is to assist him / her to overcome the trauma, rebuild his / her self-esteem and self-confidence and resume normal living.

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Q11:	How can I access to information on support services for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence?
A11:	Please visit here for the information on support for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence and seek early assistance in case of need. You can also contact or approach the integrated family service centre/ integrated services centre of Social Welfare Department / Non-governmental Organizations and Family and Child Protective Services Unit of the Social Welfare Department for related information or assistance.

Q11:

How can I access to information on support services for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence?

A11:

Please visit here for the information on support for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence and seek early assistance in case of need. You can also contact or approach the integrated family service centre/ integrated services centre of Social Welfare Department / Non-governmental Organizations and Family and Child Protective Services Unit of the Social Welfare Department for related information or assistance.

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Q12:	What can I do if I suspect that an elder person has been abused?
A12:	If you suspect that an elder person has been abused, you can call the following units for enquiries or assistance: Departmental Hotline of SWD at 2343 2255 24-hour hotline of the Multi-purpose Crisis Intervention and Support Centre (CEASE Crisis Centre) at 18281 The Family Crisis Support Centre operated by Caritas – Hong Kong at 18288 You can also contact or approach the District Elderly Community Centres or Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Services Centre of SWD or non-governmental organizations for assistance. For information about the Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Service Centres, please click here for details.

Q12:

What can I do if I suspect that an elder person has been abused?

A12:

If you suspect that an elder person has been abused, you can call the following units for enquiries or assistance:

Departmental Hotline of SWD at 2343 2255
24-hour hotline of the Multi-purpose Crisis Intervention and Support Centre (CEASE Crisis Centre) at 18281
The Family Crisis Support Centre operated by Caritas – Hong Kong at 18288

You can also contact or approach the District Elderly Community Centres or Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Services Centre of SWD or non-governmental organizations for assistance. For information about the Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Service Centres, please click here for details.

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Q13:	How do the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organisations assist the street sleepers? How can I refer street sleepers for assistance?
A13:	Subvented non-governmental organisations operate three Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers (ISTs) in Hong Kong to conduct day and late-night outreach visits for proactively reaching out to street sleepers and understanding their reasons for street sleeping. ISTs render integrated services according to the actual needs of street sleepers and their willingness to receive services. These services, including counseling, service referral, short-term accommodation and application for financial assistance, etc., are provided to address the urgent welfare needs of street sleepers, thereby helping them live off the streets and reintegrate into the community. To refer street sleepers for the above services, please contact the Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers serving their place of residence or call the SWD hotline at 2343 2255. Please click here for detailed information of Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers.

Q13:

How do the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organisations assist the street sleepers? How can I refer street sleepers for assistance?

A13:

Subvented non-governmental organisations operate three Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers (ISTs) in Hong Kong to conduct day and late-night outreach visits for proactively reaching out to street sleepers and understanding their reasons for street sleeping. ISTs render integrated services according to the actual needs of street sleepers and their willingness to receive services. These services, including counseling, service referral, short-term accommodation and application for financial assistance, etc., are provided to address the urgent welfare needs of street sleepers, thereby helping them live off the streets and reintegrate into the community.

To refer street sleepers for the above services, please contact the Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers serving their place of residence or call the SWD hotline at 2343 2255.

Please click here for detailed information of Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers.

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