Shen Po-yang Proposes Weekly Free Temporary Childcare to Expand Respite Services and Boost Economy

(Taipei, June 23, CNA reporter Huang Li-yun) Following his recent proposal of the 'Taipei Parent-Child Companion Card,' Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang has introduced free weekly temporary childcare for children aged 0 to 6. On Wednesday, he stated that expanding respite services would help address parents' struggles with 'lonely parenting' while also invigorating the economy.

Shen appeared at the 'Core Cadre Forum of the Taipei City Tainan Association' alongside fellow DPP legislator and campaign office chief Wu Sz-yu and Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei. In an interview, he noted that Tainan produces many agricultural goods, while Taipei serves as a key distribution and sales hub, suggesting both cities could collaborate on marketing. He also praised Tainan’s vibrant old streets and commercial districts, expressing interest in learning from their experiences to foster mutual prosperity.

Shen recently proposed a 'Family One-Stop Service' childcare policy in an interview, advocating for a family education service center in every administrative district to act as a 'childcare hotline' resolving parents’ concerns. This prompted media inquiries about the specifics of his new childcare initiatives.

Shen explained that the new policy extends his earlier 'Parent-Child Companion Card' proposal. He emphasized that expanding respite services is now crucial, as temporary childcare is in high demand. Parents need weekly breaks and social interaction. Offering four free hours of weekly temporary care for preschool children would give many parents much-needed breathing room.

He also hopes to increase the number of free psychological counseling sessions for parents and expand Taipei City Government’s free in-home parenting guidance services. While these are existing programs at central and local levels, Shen believes they should be further enhanced. He aims to reduce family childcare burdens through a comprehensive set of measures.

Shen said the original 'Parent-Child Companion Card' was designed to help certified family-friendly businesses make it easier for parents to participate in local activities. Now, by creating childcare space, parents gain more social opportunities—addressing 'lonely parenting' while also stimulating economic activity.

When asked about criticism that weekly temporary childcare seems unusual as a routine service, Shen responded that such views reflect outdated thinking, assuming temporary care is only for emergencies. In today’s urbanized society, it has become a general need. 'Lonely parenting' doesn’t just mean raising a child alone, but also losing social connections. Regular weekly respite can naturally resolve psychological distress, making it a routine necessity.

On Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s announcement of a pilot self-driving bus program, Shen criticized Chiang’s response as evasive. He said he had proposed related policy frameworks a month earlier, only to receive irrelevant replies. This issue was discussed even during former Mayor Ko Wen-je’s tenure, and Shen claims he is now offering concrete solutions.

He added that many Taipei City Government responses seem polished but deflect real issues—exactly what citizens don’t want to hear. Substantive policy discussions aren’t difficult, and he believes city officials likely have good ideas. Focusing on constructive dialogue, rather than political posturing, is what Taipei needs now.

Wu Sz-yu added that Shen’s candidacy has put immense pressure on Chiang Wan-an—evolving from 'Ask Shen about everything' to 'Blame Shen for everything,' and now to 'Copy everything Shen proposes.' She urged Chiang to refocus on governance so his policy announcements won’t appear hasty, superficial, or careless. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ju) 1150623