After a shocking child abuse case in which a one-year-old boy was tortured to death by his nanny rocked society, prosecutors began investigations into potential negligence of the social worker who oversaw the case. The tragedy also sparked discussions about the conditions and environments in which social workers operate.
On Taiwan's Social Work Day on Tuesday, members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), including legislators Fan Yun (范雲), Lo Mei-ling (羅美玲) Lin Yueh Chin (林月琴), and Jean Kuo (郭昱晴), held a press conference.
They urge the government to enhance the horizontal integration of social safety nets, increase resource allocation, and improve relevant legislation to provide better support for social workers, who serve as crucial pillars in such situations.
Legislator Fan Yun urges amendments to the Public Assistance Act to set more reasonable poverty thresholds and alleviate the burdens on frontline social workers.
The case of child abuse has drawn considerable attention, prompting discussions on the working conditions and rights of social workers. DPP legislators invited frontline social workers who assist vulnerable children, homeless individuals, and many others in need to share their experiences. They shed light on the challenges and rewards of social work.