Service History

Child Assessment Service

The Child Assessment Service (CAS) of the Department of Health provides comprehensive specialised assessment services for children with developmental problems. We aim to promote optimal physical, mental and emotional development of children with special needs and enable them to achieve their full potential.

History

Back in 1973, the then Medical and Health Department invited Professor Kenneth Holt of the University of London to report on the feasibility of a child assessment service in Hong Kong. He recommended setting up a specialist team to provide assessment and remedial services for children with developmental problems so as to increase their chance of success in rehabilitation. CAS came into operation with its first child assessment centre at Arran Street (ASCAC)[Note], Kowloon in 1977. Shortly after the opening of this first CAC, the urgent need for establishing other CACs was recognised, and plans were put in place for various CACs to be set up to serve corresponding population on a regional basis.

There are now seven CACs under CAS located in different regions of Hong Kong. The assessment team comprises various professional disciplines, providing comprehensive assessment to children with special needs.

[Note] ASCAC ceased operation with effect from 1 April 2007.