Taipei: The Executive Yuan has approved a draft bill aimed at increasing oversight of childcare providers and introducing penalties for misconduct. This move comes in response to public outcry over an ongoing trial involving two nanny sisters accused of abusing a one-year-old to death.
According to Focus Taiwan, the draft bill, named the "Childcare Services Act," was passed in a Cabinet meeting to address those tasked with caring for toddlers under two years old. Under this proposed legislation, only certified nannies, childcare workers, or individuals with a high school or higher degree in childcare, nursing, or related fields, will be eligible to apply for permission to provide home-based childcare services. Chou Tao-chun, a senior official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, highlighted during a Cabinet press briefing that this bill seeks to phase out eligibility for those who have only completed short-term childcare training, thus tightening the requirements for childcare providers.
Moreover, the draft bill mandates that childcare providers and facilities upload CCTV footage to data storage sites designated by local governments, where it must be retained for up to 30 days. This measure is part of efforts to strengthen monitoring of their services. Chou emphasized that this proposed off-site backup measure will deter potentially unscrupulous behavior by childcare services and ensure the preservation of evidence in future investigations into child abuse cases.
Minister Without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung addressed privacy concerns related to these measures, stating that the government deems such actions necessary, especially in light of past cases where CCTV footage that might have served as evidence in child abuse investigations was unavailable. Chen, who served as health minister from 2017 to 2022, explained that the draft bill aims to provide clearer regulations for childcare services, better prevent abuse, and ensure accountability when unfortunate cases arise.
Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee, citing Premier Cho Jung-tai, reiterated at the briefing that it is the government's responsibility to rigorously oversee childcare providers and facilities to ensure the safety of children in their care. The proposed bill includes penalties of up to NT$600,000 (US$19,630) for childcare personnel found guilty of physically or psychologically abusing children.
The draft bill, pending legislative approval, was introduced as certified nanny sisters Liu Tsai-hsuan and Liu Juo-lin stand trial on multiple charges, including the abuse of a one-year-old toddler nicknamed "Kai Kai," which resulted in his death under the Criminal Code. The Taipei District Court is scheduled to render its ruling on the case on May 13.