In the late 19th Century, abduction and trafficking of women and children were serious crimes in Hong Kong. On 8th November, 1878, a group of local Chinese presented a petition to the Governor, Sir John Pope Hennessy, K.C.M.G., to set up Po Leung Kuk to rescue the kidnapped victims. Thus, 8th November is regarded as the founding date of the Kuk.

The main objective of the Kuk is to care for the young and protect the innocent. In the early days, the Kuk was primarily engaged in suppressing abduction of women and children and providing shelters and education for such victims. Over the century, the Kuk has gradually evolved into a diversified organization in line with the social and economic changes over time.