Kaohsiung Daycare Faces Closure Amid Child Abuse Allegations

Authorities in Taiwan Shut Down Bei Yujia Infant Daycare Center Following Abuse Investigation, Raising Concerns about Childcare Oversight

Taipei, Taiwan – In a concerning development, an infant daycare center in Kaohsiung has been ordered to cease operations following allegations of child mistreatment. The Kaohsiung City's Social Affairs Bureau announced the shutdown on Friday, confirming an investigation into the Bei Yujia Infant Daycare Center in Nanzih District.

Deputy Director-General Yeh Yu-ju (葉玉如) revealed that at least eight children, ranging from 2 months to 2 years old, were allegedly abused between February 10th and 12th. The evidence, obtained from surveillance footage, indicated improper feeding and other forms of mistreatment.

The investigation involves three individuals: a married couple, identified by their last names Chu (朱) and Yang (楊), and a former employee named Tung (董) who had recently resigned from Bei Yujia. Kaohsiung City Councilor Lee Ya-hui (李雅慧) highlighted that the daycare, though registered under Chu's name, was effectively operated by Yang. Yang had previously been banned from childcare operations for five years due to a child abuse incident in 2020, where she worked as a nanny.

Lee Ya-hui further explained that the daycare had reopened at the same location under her husband's name, prompting calls for a reevaluation of childcare organization review processes. Yeh Yu-ju acknowledged that the bureau approved the re-registration because it adhered to regulations under Chu's name.

As a result of the investigation, Yang and Tung were fined NT$480,000 (US$14,745) and NT$60,000, respectively, for violations of the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act. Furthermore, Yang is now banned from working in any childcare organization for 30 years.

The Social Affairs Bureau is actively assisting families in transferring their children to other daycare centers. Four parents have already initiated legal proceedings against the center.

The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office in Kaohsiung has been investigating the case since mid-March, following reports of alleged child abuse from the city's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center. Police questioned Chu, Yang, and Tung in early April after conducting raids at Bei Yujia.

The couple was later released on bail of NT$40,000 each, while Tung was released after posting bail of NT$10,000. The investigation remains ongoing.