Social Workers Protest Systemic Pressure; MOHW to Hold Symposium on Workforce Stability
Multiple social worker groups protested at the Executive Yuan against excessive systemic pressure. In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced it will hold a symposium with unions and academics tomorrow to discuss stabilizing the workforce and improving the environment.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 19:18
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Multiple social work organizations gathered in front of the Executive Yuan today to petition against the downward pressure exerted on frontline social workers. The Department of Social Insurance and Social Work under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) stated it will continue to strengthen the system and provide stable support, with a symposium scheduled for tomorrow to discuss stabilizing the workforce through public-private collaboration.
The protest follows a recent court ruling where Chen Shang-jie, a social worker at the Child Welfare League Foundation, was sentenced to two years in prison for professional negligence leading to death in the 'Kai-kai' child abuse case. The verdict extensively discussed the worker's status as a guarantor. Social worker groups today demanded that the state assume the role of guarantor for children's rights and stop shifting pressure to frontline staff, calling for a formal apology and recognition of systemic failures.
Yang Ya-lan, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Assistance and Social Work at the MOHW, responded by thanking frontline partners for their observations and suggestions, emphasizing that the ministry values these opinions.
Regarding the system, Yang stated that mechanisms for child protection and adoption will be continuously reviewed and improved. This includes local government assessments for adoption, management of adoption agencies, and oversight of childcare and visitation. The ministry also aims to strengthen cross-system cooperation and information linkage to enhance child safety.
To support social workers, Yang mentioned measures such as strengthening the social safety net and perfecting institutional support. The ministry will maintain communication with social work groups and academia to gather feedback on staffing, training, supervision, and workplace environments, aiming to provide a stable support environment.
Addressing concerns about a potential exodus of social workers due to the court ruling, Yang noted that a 'Public-Private Collaboration Symposium to Stabilize Social Work Workforce' will be held tomorrow afternoon. Participants will include representatives from eight local social worker unions, the National Association of Social Workers, and professors from relevant university departments.
On the issue of legal liability and application, the Social and Family Administration of the MOHW will invite representatives from the legal, social work, and practical sectors for cross-departmental dialogue.
The protest follows a recent court ruling where Chen Shang-jie, a social worker at the Child Welfare League Foundation, was sentenced to two years in prison for professional negligence leading to death in the 'Kai-kai' child abuse case. The verdict extensively discussed the worker's status as a guarantor. Social worker groups today demanded that the state assume the role of guarantor for children's rights and stop shifting pressure to frontline staff, calling for a formal apology and recognition of systemic failures.
Yang Ya-lan, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Assistance and Social Work at the MOHW, responded by thanking frontline partners for their observations and suggestions, emphasizing that the ministry values these opinions.
Regarding the system, Yang stated that mechanisms for child protection and adoption will be continuously reviewed and improved. This includes local government assessments for adoption, management of adoption agencies, and oversight of childcare and visitation. The ministry also aims to strengthen cross-system cooperation and information linkage to enhance child safety.
To support social workers, Yang mentioned measures such as strengthening the social safety net and perfecting institutional support. The ministry will maintain communication with social work groups and academia to gather feedback on staffing, training, supervision, and workplace environments, aiming to provide a stable support environment.
Addressing concerns about a potential exodus of social workers due to the court ruling, Yang noted that a 'Public-Private Collaboration Symposium to Stabilize Social Work Workforce' will be held tomorrow afternoon. Participants will include representatives from eight local social worker unions, the National Association of Social Workers, and professors from relevant university departments.
On the issue of legal liability and application, the Social and Family Administration of the MOHW will invite representatives from the legal, social work, and practical sectors for cross-departmental dialogue.