New Taipei mourns toddler’s death, supports social workers

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Social Welfare Department of New Taipei City expressed sorrow Wednesday (March 13) over a tragic child abuse case that resulted in the death of a toddler, explaining that frontline social workers, deeply impacted by the incident, have voiced their anguish.

The department has pledged ongoing support for them to ensure stable operations.

Recently, a female social worker involved in the case was taken into custody, sparking outrage among social work organizations who have voiced their concerns in group discussions.

The "New Taipei City Association of The Licensed Social Workers" made a pointed statement on Facebook, noting that the incident's timing—during World Social Work Month—is tragically ironic.

The Taipei Social Workers' Union also challenged the city's policies on Facebook. They questioned whether New Taipei City's Social Welfare Department adequately protected the rights of social workers in this incident.

To this, the New Taipei City's Social Welfare Department responded that every year, they conduct safety training for social workers, including risk identification, crisis response drills, and stress management for trauma recovery.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih expressed profound grief over the incident, vowing to continually reevaluate and enhance the construction of social safety nets to better protect children. He assured that there is an unwavering commitment to the children's well-being and safety.