A Banqiao private kindergarten is facing fines after reports that its personnel were feeding children controlled substances surfaced earlier this month. The New Taipei City government held a press conference on Friday to report on test findings, provide support for the families, and address public concerns. The kindergarten has had its permits revoked following the incident.
According to the test results, trace amounts of phenobarbital have been detected in eight out of the 42 young children who attended the kindergarten. Phenobarbital has sedative and anti-seizure properties and can be addictive.
New Taipei City Education Director Chang Ming-wen (張明文) says that the Education Bureau is trying their best to support and accommodate the families affected by the kindergarten’s closure. He adds that one-on-one parent consultation meetings were held on Thursday to provide legal consultation and professional support regarding medical and psychological care.
However, some parents expressed dissatisfaction with the New Taipei City’s Education Bureau as they did not inspect the kindergarten until June 5 even though reports were received on May 15. Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lo Chih-cheng (羅致政) also says that, after comparing the timing of the complaints and New Taipei City Government’s handling of the situation, many contradictory statements were found.
New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan (劉和然) says that the city government has launched an administrative investigation into the matter.