Data on Reported Cases of Challenges Faced by Non-guardian Caretakers in Accessing Child-related Services or Assistance

Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development how many cases have been reported by non-parent caretakers who are not legal guardians of difficulty in granting authorisation or making applications on behalf of children under their care for school activities, medical treatment, passport applications and access to Government services or assistance.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has received such feedback from appointed caregivers, including foster parents and kin or kith carers.

Appointed caregivers can make day-to-day care decisions for children under Care and Protection Orders. They are also able to access relevant support and services for the children, such as financial subsidies for school and healthcare. For more substantive matters, such as overseas travel, education and medical treatment, the decision authority should reside with the birth parents as these may have long-term implications well beyond the time with the appointed caregivers. If such decisions have to be made, MSF and fostering agencies will contact the birth parents and seek their decisions. If the birth parents cannot be contacted despite reasonable efforts or are otherwise unable or unwilling to decide, the appointed caregivers will be empowered to decide, in consultation with MSF and qualified persons or the Director-General of Social Welfare.