The Health Ministry has responded to the tragic death of a one-year-old child who died due to alleged abuse while waiting to be fostered. The ministry held a press conference on Wednesday to outline major improvement measures including the suspension of foster placements by the Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF).
The one-year-old boy passed away in December last year while awaiting long-term foster care. He had been under the care of a licensed caregiver coordinated by the CWLF. The caregiver responsible was suspected of serious wrongdoing and arrested in January this year. The social worker who handled the boy’s case has also been questioned. The case is still under investigation.
Deputy Health Minister Lee Li-fen (李麗芬) says the ministry will send a document to the CWLF on Wednesday stipulating that new foster care placements will be suspended. The suspension will be effective immediately after the CWLF receives the official documentation. Lee adds that for children already undergoing matchmaking procedures, local governments and the agencies involved in foster placements, especially the CWLF will be held responsible. Lee says that inspections must be strengthened to ensure that every child receives proper care.
According to Lee, nearly 20,000 social workers are serving the community nationwide. Lee says the Health Ministry does not wish to blame individuals but rather aims to actively review institutional and service systems to improve the professional environment. She says the Health Ministry and local governments will do their best to prevent further tragedies from occurring.