'Yangcheon 16-Month-Old Adopted Child Abuse Case' Police Officers Disciplined for Inadequate Response

Child Abuse Reported Three Times but Ultimately Results in Death

Mother A, accused of abuse resulting in the death of her 16-month-old adopted child, is heading to a transport vehicle after undergoing a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing) at the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 11th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Police officers suspected of passive response in the case where a 16-month-old adopted child died after abuse by adoptive parents are expected to face disciplinary actions one after another.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Office of Audit and Inspection announced the results on the 4th after an internal investigation into the mishandling of the abuse report involving the 16-month-old adopted child at the Yangcheon Police Station in Seoul, followed by a review by a civilian audit committee composed of professors and lawyers to ensure fairness.

Accordingly, a total of five people, including the team leader responsible for handling the third report and two Abuse Prevention Officers (APOs), will be referred to the disciplinary committee. Additionally, two people including the team leader responsible for the second report will receive a "warning," and two people including the team leader responsible for the first report will receive a "caution." The female youth division chief, who is responsible for supervising the Abuse Prevention Officers, will receive a "warning" and personnel measures, while two former and current female youth division chiefs with overall responsibility will receive a "caution."

Miss A, who was adopted earlier this year, was reported for child abuse three times afterward, but the police and child protection agencies failed to find evidence of abuse and returned Miss A to her parents. Ultimately, Miss A died in the hospital on October 13.

The National Forensic Service released an autopsy report stating that Miss A died from "abdominal injuries caused by external force." Currently, her mother, Ms. B, has been detained, and Ms. B's husband has been sent to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment.

In response to the public outrage over this case, the police recently announced improved measures, including immediate separation of the child if there are two or more reports of child abuse to the police or if wounds or bruises are found.