Improving Transparency in Care Home Violations
Secretary for welfare, Chris Sun, recently addressed the issue of transparency in disclosing violations at care homes. He emphasized that not every violation needs to be made public, with the severity of each incident determining the level of disclosure.
Over the past year, the Social Welfare Department has issued warnings to 15 care homes for persons with disabilities. One such warning was issued to the Hong Chi Association in August, following an incident at their care home in Tai Po. A 38-year-old staff member from the facility was charged with sexually assaulting two residents while on duty, a case that was confirmed by the department last Wednesday.
Sun explained that the department’s standard procedure is to upload warnings to its website, but the decision to share details of each case with the public depends on the severity of the violation and public interest. In the case of Hong Chi, due to the seriousness of the incident and public concern, Sun believed it was necessary to provide the public with details.
He further clarified that some violations are minor technical issues that are handled according to appropriate procedures. Sun defended the delay in announcing certain cases, stating that officials prioritize the emotional well-being of the victims and their families to prevent further harm.
Improving transparency in care home violations is crucial for ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust in such facilities. By balancing the need for disclosure with sensitivity to the well-being of those affected, the Social Welfare Department aims to address violations effectively while upholding the dignity and privacy of the individuals involved.
