Mapo-gu Enacts Nation's First 'Infant and Toddler Development Support Ordinance'

Basis for Developmental Delay Screening Support for Children Under 6 Established, Promulgated and Enforced on the 24th... Early Childhood Developmental Delay Recognized as Universal Welfare Target, Early Intervention and Support Planned

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) announced and enacted the Seoul Mapo-gu Ordinance on Early Childhood Development Support, which supports developmental delay screenings for children under the age of six, effective on the 24th.

Mapo-gu is the first local government nationwide to enact an ordinance supporting developmental delay screenings. The district recognizes developmental delays in young children as a universal welfare service and has established a legal basis to enable early intervention and systematic support for this issue.

According to the ‘Mapo-gu Early Childhood Development Status and Parenting Attitude Analysis Survey of Parents with Young Children (2018)’ conducted by the Mapo Early Childhood Integrated Support Center, more than 20% of children showed developmental delays, and 25.6% of parents reported mental health difficulties such as depression as a result.

Considering these circumstances, the district plans to treat developmental delays as a social issue requiring intervention and to promote support projects for systematic solutions.

Based on this ordinance, the district plans to support screenings for each child according to their age, covering physical, cognitive, communication, psychological/emotional, adaptability, and self-care skills.

After the screening, the degree of developmental delay will be quantified, and age-specific psychological, speech, and art therapies will be provided. Additionally, parent counseling services will be offered to focus on maintaining family health and harmony.

Meanwhile, last year Mapo-gu signed agreements with the UNICEF Korea Committee, Good Neighbors Seoul Headquarters, Holt Children’s Services, and others to promote projects aimed at creating a ‘Child-Friendly City’ where all children can grow up happily.

With the enactment of this ordinance, it is expected that Mapo-gu’s developmental support policies for early childhood age groups will accelerate further.

Yoo Dong-gyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, stated, “We will promote support projects to guarantee the developmental rights of Mapo’s young children and ensure timely related counseling for parents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.