How the Care Card Helps Families of Autistic Children in Hong Kong

Imagine the fear a parent feels when their autistic child wanders off in a crowded MTR station in Hong Kong, or the distress of knowing their child, who struggles with communication, might become the victim of a crime while alone.

For parents of children on the autism spectrum or with invisible conditions, such as intellectual or developmental disabilities, these scenarios are real, everyday concerns. In high-stress or unfamiliar situations, children with autism may feel overwhelmed, struggle to communicate, or react unpredictably under stress.

To address these challenges, the Care Card Scheme, introduced by the Hong Kong Police Force, provides a practical and reassuring tool for families. By ensuring that critical information about the child’s needs and emergency contacts is readily available, the Care Card helps parents feel more confident that their child will receive the right support during emergencies.

What the Care Card Scheme Offers for Children with Autism and Invisible Conditions

The Care Card Scheme was launched in 2016 as a voluntary program to help individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other invisible conditions during emergencies or interactions with law enforcement. 

The card, which is slightly smaller than a Hong Kong identity card, contains important details about the cardholder’s medical and communication needs, as well as emergency contact information.

The scheme is entirely voluntary, and no personal data from the card is stored by the police, ensuring privacy for families while providing a valuable safety net.

The Story Behind the Care Card Scheme: Supporting Families with Autism

The Care Card Scheme was introduced following a tragic incident in 2015 that underscored the need for improved measures to protect individuals with disabilities. 

A young autistic man, surnamed Au, was wrongfully detained by police for 50 hours on suspicion of manslaughter. During questioning, Au, who had limited communication skills and a tendency to repeat what was said to him, was unable to advocate for himself. He was also denied access to his medication.

This case highlighted the risks faced by individuals with disability status during interactions with law enforcement. The aftermath led to disciplinary actions against several officers and spurred the Hong Kong Police Force to form a working group to improve procedures for handling individuals with disabilities. By November 2016, the Care Card Scheme was introduced alongside other measures to ensure fairness and empathy in police interactions with vulnerable individuals.

How the Care Card Helps Families and What Parents Think

The Care Card is designed to address the real-life challenges faced by families of children with autism or other invisible conditions. It acts as a safety net for parents who worry about their child’s well-being in situations where they may be unable to communicate their needs effectively.

Patrick, a single father of a 16-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, shared his experience of using the Care Card. Two years ago, following a recommendation from a hospital social worker after his daughter was injured in a minor accident, Patrick decided to obtain the card.

“I would want anything that could offer some form of protection for my child. To a certain extent, the card provides some comfort, especially when she’s in an unfamiliar situation without me around,” he said.

Patrick has taught his daughter to show the card to others if she feels scared or confused, though he acknowledges that she might forget to use it in particularly stressful situations. Even so, he feels reassured knowing that the card increases the likelihood of receiving a prompt call if his daughter is ever in trouble.

However, not all parents share Patrick’s enthusiasm. According to Yau Wai-nga, centre-in-charge of the Society for the Welfare of the Autistic Persons (SWAP), some parents feel the card is unnecessary because their children already have the Registration Card for People with Disabilities. Others, however, welcome the additional documentation as an extra layer of protection for their children.

Yau explained that in 2018, SWAP and other social groups met with the police to better understand the Care Card Scheme. While opinions remain divided, the scheme continues to provide peace of mind for many parents.

Complementary Measures to Protect Children with Disabilities

The Care Card Scheme was introduced alongside two other initiatives to enhance police support for individuals with autism and other disabilities. The Behavioural Indicators Guide was created to help officers identify individuals with invisible conditions and respond appropriately, while the Notice to Appropriate Adult outlines the roles and responsibilities of caregivers or guardians during police questioning.

A police spokesperson emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “The police place great importance on protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and are committed to ensuring that those who require police assistance are treated with respect and fairness.”

How to Obtain a Care Card

The Care Card is freely available at police stations, integrated family services centres, medical social services units at public hospitals, special schools, residential care homes, and NGOs in Hong Kong. Families do not need to go through a formal application process, making it a convenient resource.

Learn more about the Care Card Scheme on the official Hong Kong Police Force website.

Why the Care Card Matters for Families with Autism

The Care Card is more than just a piece of documentation; it’s a valuable tool for families navigating the challenges of autism, intellectual disabilities, and other invisible conditions. By addressing safety concerns and providing reassurance, it helps families feel more confident and prepared when unexpected situations arise.

For more information on autism support and resources in Hong Kong, stay connected with us for updates and helpful insights tailored to families like yours.