TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Following a contentious child abuse case, the Taipei Social Workers Union protested Tuesday (March 12) against the blame placed solely on the involved social worker.
A 1-year-old boy, known as "Kai-kai," tragically died in Taipei after alleged mistreatment by his caregiver, surnamed Liu, and her sister, sparking widespread concern.
The associated social worker, identified by the surname Chen, is under suspicion of falsifying reports and was released on NT$100,000 bail late Tuesday after being taken to the prosecutor's office.
The union released a four-point statement defending Chen, stating she has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation. The union raised concern over the undue media attention on Chen, urging respect for her privacy, which includes her full name, photo, and educational background.
The union had pointed critiques for the Child Welfare League Foundation, accusing the foundation's chairman of unwarranted demands.
The union also voiced concerns about authorities pushing social workers to the forefront as a scapegoat in future significant cases.
It also questioned the Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MOHW) delayed response, only convening related meetings after the news escalated, and called for more involvement from the ministry.
The union's statement expressed skepticism of law enforcement's application of handcuffs on Chen, stating she showed no signs of aggression, self-harm, or resistance. The police had no legal basis to handcuff her, especially in the presence of the media, they stated.
With the case now under judicial process, the union urges the media and the public to abstain from sharing sensitive information about the social worker involved.
It emphasized that while the demands of the foundation's chairman towards the social worker should be considered, the responsibilities of social workers should not fall on individuals alone, indicating systemic issues may be at play.