Keynote Presentations
Keynote Address
Prof. KIM Jee Hyun
Professor, School of Medicine
Deakin University
Australia
From ACEs to Resilience: Transforming Trauma into Empowered Parenting
An individual’s resilience level can determine how they may function and adapt after a traumatic event or life adversity. Parenting styles are suggested to be associated with resilience levels in their children, although there is limited literature in this area. Our recent systematic review and meta-analyses (in preparation to be submitted for publication) showed a significant and positive association between authoritative or permissive parenting styles and resilience levels. In addition, a significant negative association between authoritarian parenting style and resilience levels was observed. Furthermore, there was evidence of trauma-specific resilience, with interpersonal trauma related to reduced resilience and external trauma (e.g., natural disaster) related to increased resilience. These findings will be unpacked in the context of stress neurobiology and dimension of parenting (e.g., responsiveness, demandingness, warmth etc.) so that we can evolve beyond the parenting we have received to be healthy and supportive caregivers.
Keynote Address
Prof. CHAN Ko Ling, Edward
Chair Professor of Child and Family Welfare
RGC Senior Research Fellow
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
A New Paradigm for Researching Child Maltreatment in the Context of Family Polyvictimization
Family violence is a serious public health problem that affects individuals of all ages, including children, parents, and grandparents. It can manifest in various forms, such as child abuse, intimate partner violence, or elder mistreatment. Often, when one member of a family is victimized, others within the same family may also experience harm — a phenomenon that is frequently overlooked or inadequately addressed. To enhance our understanding of this issue, Prof. Chan has developed a new paradigm for researching "family polyvictimization."
In this presentation, Prof. Chan will discuss his research on the concept of family polyvictimization which provides the context in understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and child maltreatment, introduce new measurement tools, and share key findings. By exploring the patterns of and risk factors for family polyvictimization, it aims to help social workers, healthcare providers, and policymakers better identify families at risk and provide timely and effective support.
Keynote Address
Dr. MANN Ka Fai, Stephen
PhD, PsyD
Registered Clinical Psychologist (UK, Australia and New Zealand)
Registered Counselling Psychologist (HK)
Registered Occupational Therapist (HK)
Breaking the Cycle: A Psychodynamic Approach to Parenting with ACEs
The presentation offers a profound exploration into how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact parenting through the lens of psychodynamic theories. Focusing on Object Relations and Self-Psychology, this seminar delves into the unconscious processes and early relational patterns that shape emotional regulation and parenting behavior. Participants will gain insights into how ACEs disrupt internal worlds, leading to maladaptive parenting, and learn therapeutic strategies to restore healthier parent-child relationships by addressing internalized parental models and self-cohesion. This seminar is essential for clinicians and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and effectively support families affected by intergenerational trauma.
In this presentation, Dr. Mann offers a profound exploration of how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence parenting through the lens of psychodynamic theories. Drawing on Object Relations and Self-Psychology, this presentation examines unconscious processes and early relational patterns that shape emotional regulation and parenting behaviors. Participants will gain insights into how ACEs disrupt the internal world, contributing to maladaptive parenting, and will learn therapeutic strategies to foster healthier parent-child relationships by addressing internalized parental models and enhancing self-cohesion. This presentation is essential for clinicians and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and effectively support families affected by intergenerational trauma.
Parallel Workshop
Prof. LI Ka Wai, Carrie
Principal Investigator of the Project Stride Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration
The University of Hong Kong
Parallel Workshop 1A
Designing for Impact: Integrating Hong Kong’s ACEs Research into Service Development
This presentation will introduce the core findings of the “Jockey Club Project Stride,” the first representative study in Hong Kong to comprehensively examine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The talk will highlight the prevalence of ACEs among Hong Kong adults, their associations with mental health and family violence, and the unique challenges shaped by the Chinese cultural context. It will further explore how research data can be translated into actionable service models, such as early identification of high-risk families, providing support for new parents, strengthening schools’ and social workers’ capacity to identify and intervene, and promoting trauma-informed and strengths-based community programs. The presentation will also emphasize the importance of equipping frontline professionals with knowledge of the forthcoming Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance. The goal is to use empirical insights to inform policy development and inspire service innovation for the future of child and family services in Hong Kong.
Dr. WAN Ho Yin, Adrian, PhD
Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Social Administration & Deputy Programme Director of MSocSc in
Behavioral Health Centre on Behavioral Health
The University of Hong Kong
Parallel Workshop 1B
Where the Hearts Meet Science: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Parenting Support
This presentation will introduce the concept and related research of "Mindful Self-Compassion," exploring how it can support parents and caregivers in maintaining emotional well-being and inner balance amidst caregiving stress. It will also present how the "Jockey Club Project Smart Kids" incorporates elements of mindful self-compassion into its parent education work, along with findings from related studies. Participants will have the opportunity to experience mindful self-compassion firsthand and practice self-awareness and self-kindness.
Guest Sharing
Ms. PANG Kit Ling
Ex-Assistant Director
(Family and Child Welfare)
Social Welfare Department
Stories that Heal: Personal Narratives of Resilience and Transformation
Growing up in a grass-root and complicated family, the full-of hiccups and unpleasant but eventful life experience has shaped my character and personality, trained my perseverance and built up my courage and strong resilience towards any challenges and adversities. In times of difficulties, the selfless people who have lent me a helping hand have given me an inspiration and orientation towards a helping profession, equipped me with an empathetic insight into other people’s difficulties and feelings. I hope my sharing would give a sparkle to the fire of passion in our helping career.