The special agents will be given the authority to conduct field investigations into child abuse. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — Local governments will take up the responsibilities previously held by child protection agencies to launch investigations in cases of child abuse.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that a bill to amend the Child Welfare Act was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, which will enable local authorities to assign special agents dedicated to child abuse investigations.
The special agents will be given the authority to conduct field investigations into child abuse, which were previously completed by a separate child protection agency.
Upon completion of each investigation, local authorities must come up with a special plan to protect the child and notify relevant agencies.
Relevant agencies will then be tasked to come up with a comprehensive management plan on child abuse cases containing various programs to treat or educate both the victims and the aggressor, which will be sent back to local authorities.
Local authorities will also be empowered to intervene and monitor counseling and treatment sessions for victims, family members and the aggressors.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
