Yeosu City Establishes Integrated Support System for Early Detection of Child Abuse

Immediate Implementation of Separation System and Discussion on 24-Hour Child Abuse Response Measures by Agencies

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Kyung-taek] Yeosu City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 24th that it held a meeting of the 'Yeosu City Child Abuse Response Information Linkage Council,' composed of 11 organizations, to identify children at risk and protect children who are victims of abuse.

The meeting was hosted by the Yeosu City Women's and Family Division Chief and attended by child protection officers from Yeosu Police Station, Yeosu Office of Education, Yeosu Fire Station, Jeonnam Child Protection Agency, and child welfare facilities (Neulpureun House, Haeoreum Nest, Samhye-won, Yeosu Childcare Center).

There was close discussion on the implementation of the immediate separation system and institution-specific response plans and collaboration for 24-hour child abuse response.

They agreed to establish a proactive and integrated support system through close cooperation and information sharing among institutions to enable meticulous observation and early detection of children suspected of abuse or at risk in the future.

Jang Byung-yeon, head of the Women's and Family Division, stated, “Cooperation among local institutions is more important than anything else for early detection of child abuse and prompt response when abuse is reported,” and urged, “Please actively cooperate in child protection with the mindset that every child is your own.”

Meanwhile, following the amendment of the Child Welfare Act last year, which transferred child abuse investigation duties from the 'Child Protection Agency' to the 'local government,' Yeosu City established a Child Protection Team this year and has maintained a 24-hour year-round response system for child abuse reports since April, conducting on-site investigations.

This year, 151 child abuse reports were filed through joint investigations with 112, of which 115 cases, accounting for 76%, were confirmed as abuse. The number of reports by year has been increasing annually: 270 cases in 2018, 290 cases in 2019, and 322 cases in 2020.