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 give 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 of the government’s two-phase approach to enhance child and vulnerable adult safety, in response to 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 facilitate the growing number of applicants under the expanded scheme, authorities 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, adding to seven existing locations.
The process was also simplified through an online application platform, allowing eligible individuals to submit forms and book fingerprint appointments digitally, while the validity period was extended from 18 months to 36 months, reducing the frequency of reapplications.
