Hong Kong expands sex offender screening scheme to include volunteer tutors, coaches
New scope of screening includes volunteer teachers and sports coaches, but scheme not compulsory for organisations
Hong Kong has expanded the scope of an opt-in scheme that screens organisations for sex offenders to include volunteers, in a major step that will offer greater protection to children and mentally incapacitated individuals.
The expansion of the Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) scheme took effect on Monday and was the second part of the government’s two-phase approach to enhance child and vulnerable adult safety, following earlier recommendations from the Law Reform Commission.
“Volunteers include – but are not limited to – volunteer teachers and sports coaches,” a government spokesman said, adding that the scheme was not mandatory for organisations.
“The recruiting organisations may decide whether the SCRC is necessary after assessing the risks. Applications are to be submitted by eligible applicants.”
The scheme was initially launched at the end of 2011, allowing organisations to check prospective employees, contract renewal staff and outsourced service providers for convictions related to a specified list of sexual offences.
To handle the growing number of applicants under the expanded scheme, authorities have enhanced the application process by introducing a 24-hour fingerprint service at three new designated police stations in Tseung Kwan O, Sheung Shui and Lantau North, in addition to seven existing locations.
The process has also been simplified through an online platform, allowing eligible individuals to submit forms and book fingerprint appointments digitally. The validity period has also been extended from 18 to 36 months, reducing the frequency of reapplications.