Hong Kong parents will be able to check whether self-employed tutors and coaches have been convicted for sex offences under a newly expanded scheme.
A government spokesman said on Monday the update to the Sexual Conviction Record Check scheme, which is voluntary for employers, aimed to further strengthen protections for children and people with mental disabilities.
“Prospective self-employed persons include, but are not limited to, private tutors, music teachers, sports coaches and persons providing door-to-door services,” he said.
The spokesman added the scheme remained voluntary for employers, allowing them to decide whether they thought a check was necessary.
Launched in 2011, the scheme allows employers, such as organisations or enterprises, to conduct the checks.
Parents and guardians are now considered eligible applicants as employers, following the change implemented on Monday.
The checks cover the hiring of individuals in positions involving children or mentally disabled people. The process allows employers to see whether prospective workers, contract renewal staff and individuals assigned by outsourced service providers have prior criminal records linked to sex offences such as rape, indecent assault and voyeurism.
