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The following statement was issued by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (April 13) in response to reports on the family tragedy in Tin Shui Wai:

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy. The case concerning Mr Lee and Ms Kam and their family came to our attention first in mid February and social workers of the Family and Child Protective Services Unit of SWD and the Integrated Family Service Centre of International Social Service - Hong Kong had followed up on the case. A multi-disciplinary case conference was held on March 5, 2004 to consider a report of suspected child abuse. Although the case was not established, it was agreed follow-up services on the couple's marital problem will be required. Subsequently, joint interviews were conducted with the couple by social workers concerned. The couple did at one stage indicate readiness to improve their martial relationship.

Ms Kam had stayed in SWD's Wai On Centre on three occasions. Each time she had decided to return to her residence after a short stay.

Follow-up services will be provided to assist the victims' family including the funeral matter. Besides, a debriefing session will be organised for the neighbours tomorrow (April 14) with the assistance of clinical psychologists. If necessary, similar services will also be provided to the Kindergarten where the two daughters studied.

We recognise the problem faced by families in Tin Shui Wai and efforts have been made to strengthen the provision of family services there. Last summer, additional resources were pooled to form a new Integrated Family Service Centre run by International Social Service - Hong Kong. Resources will also be pooled to transform the Family Service Centre of Caritas into a full Integrated Family Service Centre by early next year.

By then, together with SWD's Integrated Family Service Centre, there will be three Integrated Family Service Centres in Tin Shui Wai with the total number of caseworkers increased from the existing 28 to 41.

End/Tuesday, April 13, 2004

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