'16-Month-Old Infant Death' Cheong National Petition Response... Government Says "Immediate Separation If Abuse Suspected"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] The government will introduce an 'Immediate Separation System' that proactively separates and protects children suspected of abuse.

Yang Sung-il, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, announced this on the 16th in response to a Blue House national petition regarding the 'Strengthening of Child Abuse Reporting Laws,' explaining, "If abuse is strongly suspected, such as when there are two or more reports, the head of the local government can immediately separate the child and protect them in a child abuse victim shelter." He added, "Although this system is scheduled to be implemented in late March, three months after the amended Child Welfare Act is promulgated, revised guidelines that actively separate and protect victimized children in cases of re-reporting have been in effect since the 1st of this month."

Vice Minister Yang also stated, "To ensure that separated children are safely protected, we will continue to expand protective facilities," adding, "With 15 new child abuse victim shelters to be established next year, a total of 91 shelters will protect victimized children." He further said, "The number of child protection agencies that provide counseling, education, and treatment for victimized children will increase by 10 to a total of 81, offering specialized services to these children," and explained, "Through the amendment of the Child Welfare Act, the expert foster care system has been legislated, enabling victimized children to receive nurturing services in families with professional care."

The petition, raised in October, was related to a case where a 16-month-old infant died after prolonged abuse by adoptive parents. It called for the establishment of a law that allows immediate separation and protection of victimized children to prevent such tragedies from happening again despite multiple reports. Approximately 208,000 citizens supported the petition.

Vice Minister Yang emphasized, "Above all, as an authority responsible for preventing child abuse, I feel deep regret and a heavy responsibility for failing to protect a young life," stressing, "Child abuse must be eradicated." He continued, "The government has been working to reform child protection, which previously relied on private organizations, into a public child protection system and strengthen public intervention in child abuse," adding, "In light of this incident, the government is reviewing shortcomings and implementing measures to promptly and safely protect victimized children."

Yang also announced, "Since October, child abuse dedicated officers have been assigned to all cities, counties, and districts," stating, "By the end of this year, 290 officers will be deployed across 118 cities, counties, and districts, and by next year, a total of 664 child abuse dedicated officers will be assigned to all local governments." These officers will work with related community institutions such as the police and schools to investigate child abuse cases.

Meanwhile, regarding the case of the deceased 16-month-old infant, an internal investigation was conducted on the police station that failed to take appropriate action despite receiving three reports of suspected child abuse. Vice Minister Yang reported, "Among the 12 personnel who inadequately handled the reported cases, five were referred to the disciplinary committee, and seven received warnings and cautionary measures."

Vice Minister Yang expressed, "Once again, I offer my deepest condolences for the young life lost in suffering and feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to protect this precious life," and conveyed, "I sincerely extend my condolences to the citizens who were deeply saddened by this incident."

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