Home operator submits report over abuse allegations

The Social Welfare Department on Tuesday said it’d received a report from the Society for the Protection of Children over alleged child abuse cases at a foster home it runs.

The department said it’s studying the report which includes a review of the situation and proposals for improvement.

The department did not rule out taking regulatory action, or striking off child care workers deemed unsuitable for the job.

Officials also said they have been conducting surprise checks at the Children’s Residential Home daily, and a team of nurses and social workers has been sent in to monitor the operation of the foster home.

Twenty staff from the facility operated by the society in Prince Edward have been arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment or neglect of children, with the number of alleged victims standing at 35.