Starting October, Dedicated Officials and Agents to Fully Launch Child Abuse Investigation Project
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Responsibility for child abuse is being strengthened in public institutions.
Busan Gijang-gun will actively promote child abuse investigation projects within the jurisdiction starting in October by deploying dedicated child protection officers with enforcement authority.
This is implemented as a follow-up measure to enhance the substance of child abuse investigation tasks and strengthen child protection, in accordance with the Inclusive Nation Child Policy announced by the government in May last year.
As public responsibility and national accountability for child protection have been strengthened, Gijang-gun designated and assigned dedicated child abuse public officials starting in January.
With the revised "Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes, etc. (Child Abuse Punishment Act)" coming into effect on October 1, the responsible officials will perform duties such as restraining child abuse acts, isolating perpetrators, and applying for emergency or temporary measures including handing over children to protection facilities or medical institutions when immediate protection of the child is required during on-site investigations.
Gijang-gun recently hired one dedicated child protection officer with professional qualifications.
The dedicated officer is tasked with conducting initial counseling, health checkups, and psychological tests when a child in need of protection occurs, establishing protection and management plans, and regularly inspecting and supporting the child's caregiving situation based on those plans.
By October 8, Gijang-gun will also form a "Child Abuse Response Information Linkage Council (including the county, education office, police station, and child protection specialized agencies)" to share information and seek cooperation measures among related organizations, striving for prompt protection and support for abused children.
A Gijang-gun official stated, "There were many difficulties such as refusal of investigation or threats to personal safety when child abuse tasks were performed by civilian child protection specialized agencies," adding, "As local governments' responsibility for child abuse has been strengthened according to the law revision, we will do our best to prevent child abuse and protect abused children in cooperation with local community related organizations."
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