여가부, 아이돌보미 인적성 검사...자격정지 2년 도입
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced measures to strengthen the management and recruitment of state babysitters,... as part of efforts to reduce child abuse.
Kim Mok-yeon has the details.
The government has revealed measures to shake up the hiring process of state babysitters, improve their training and strengthen punishment for those found guilty of abuse.
From May, applicants must take a personality and aptitude test which will be evaluated by industry experts including at least one psychology specialist. A standardized interview manual will also be adopted.
The move comes in the aftermath of a recent incident involving a state nanny in Seoul's Geumcheon-gu district,.. who abused a 14 month old baby for three months. Previously, applicants just had to prove they had no mental health issues and a clean criminal record.
The ministry will also improve educational seminars for existing babysitters.
"This year we will hold more preventative educational seminars for existing babysitters and from next year, we will double training and supplementary education hours to 4 hours and 2 hours each.
On-site lessons will be expanded from the current 10 to 20 hours, and the maximum number of sitters receiving a lesson will be reduced to 30 from the current 100."
Measures to punish those found guilty of abuse will also be strengthened. The suspension period of their permits will be extended to two years from the current 6 months,... while those who are put on probation or have their cases dismissed will have their permits canceled, and cannot reapply for five years.
The ministry will establish a total management system by the end of 2019, and create a mobile application that provides information on the babysitter and allows employers to better communicate with the authorities.
Surprise inspections will also take place.
In the meantime,... the government will continue running its temporary center for child abuse reports and establish a permanent one by July.
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.
