Seoul City Conducts Targeted Joint Inspections on 344 Households at High Risk of Child Abuse Recurrence

Joint Inspection of High-Risk Child Abuse Cases in the First Half of the Year for One Month Starting from the 13th

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will form an inspection team consisting of autonomous districts, police stations, and child protection agencies to conduct the "2022 First Half Joint Inspection of Related Agencies" for one month starting from the 13th.

This year, considering the characteristics of child abuse where abusive acts are difficult to detect externally and the self-protection ability of abused children is weak, 344 households at high risk of re-abuse were selected through autonomous districts, police stations, and child protection agencies that come into contact with child abuse families and the field, and pinpoint visits will be conducted.

The joint inspection will involve the three agencies?autonomous districts, police, and child protection agencies?accompanying each other to conduct face-to-face investigations to check the child's physical and psychological condition, living environment, and whether child abuse has occurred.

If re-abuse is confirmed during the inspection, an investigation will be immediately conducted, and in cases where there is a risk of re-abuse or protection is needed, emergency measures, immediate separation, treatment, and legal support will be linked. Additionally, households experiencing difficulties related to child-rearing will be supported with necessary welfare services such as economic, educational, and medical assistance.

Meanwhile, last year, Seoul City, together with the National Police Agency, conducted a full survey of 35,470 children who were reported two or more times over three years through the e-Child Happiness Support Project, and among them, 2,121 cases were referred for investigation (5 cases), abuse reports (22 cases), and welfare service linkage measures were taken. As a result of the pinpoint discovery, the re-abuse rate in Seoul is gradually showing a decreasing trend compared to the previous year.

Seoul City plans to continue conducting joint inspections with the National Police Agency in the second half of the year by selecting high-risk groups and visiting households with infants who have difficulty expressing themselves and families raising children under the age of three to establish a thorough prevention system in advance. Kim Seon-soon, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Women and Family Policy Office, said, "It is important to detect high-risk children early before actual abuse occurs, promptly protect them, and link necessary services," adding, "We will manage thoroughly without missing a single child to create a safe and happy Seoul for all children."

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