 [2025] HKCFI 3344, the Director of Social Welfare sought “freeing orders” under s.5A of the Adoption Ordinance (Cap 290) concerning two youngest of seven siblings (“

”). All seven had been abandoned by their parents.

The effect of a freeing order would be to sever the legal ties between a child and their parents (and therefore their siblings) and declare that child free for adoption.

In light of this, the Court invited the Official Solicitor, as next friend for the Children, to address three questions:

Au-Yeung J ultimately granted the orders sought.

, instructed by the Department of Justice and Christine Wong, Senior Government Counsel, acted for the Plaintiff (Director of Social Welfare).

, instructed by the Official Solicitor as next friend for the Children.

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