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The Commission on Children was established by the Government on 1 June 2018 to address the diversified issues related to children. It is an on-going, action-oriented and high-level advisory body which provides overall steer on children initiatives; sets policy directions, strategies and priorities related to the development and advancement of children; and oversees its implementation. The Commission co-ordinates the efforts of various government bureaux and departments, teams up with different sectors and professions in society to safeguard the well-being of children and builds a pro-child and inclusive Hong Kong.
COC 24 - "Guardians of Children"
DADs Network launched the "Guardians of Children" program in 2024, funded by the Commission on Children. This program builds upon the success and reputation of the "Dream Jam Gym" in 2021 and the "The Players" in 2023 (sponsored by the Funding Scheme for Children's Well-being and Development) to target the accumulated group of SEN children and their parents over the past three years. The program aims to:
1) Promote messages about protecting children.
2) Instill knowledge and practical skills for protecting children.
3) Teach children to protect their bodies and minds from harm by adults or peers.
The "AD/HD Talent Classroom" was well-received by parents in the current program, and this new program will continue with a similar approach under the theme of "Guardians of Children." It will share information with parents and educators about protecting children from various forms of violence, including verbal, physical, emotional, and sexual violence. The program aims to support parents in becoming "guardians" and "guardian angels" for their children. By increasing public awareness and understanding of child abuse prevention, participants and caregivers will be better equipped to recognize and identify suspicious or red flags situations and take appropriate measures and responses to prevent harm.
In addition to dynamic workshops incorporating elements of newly-emerged sports, this program also includes static elements such as a harmonious pastel workshop. The goal is to convey messages about protecting one's physical and emotional health to participants (parents and children) through a combination of active and calm activities.
In terms of scalability, the program aims to expand from families of SEN children to families with general children, and eventually to the general public. In addition to online lectures in the form of the "Parent coach classroom," we will also hold parent lectures in primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. We will invite schools and parents to sign the "Child Safeguarding Charter" to encourage parents and students to commit to being "guardian angels" for children.