Seoul's Dobong-gu officially appointed 14 members to its Child Welfare Officers Council on Wednesday as frontline partners in a public-private effort to prevent child abuse. District Mayor Kim Dong-wook presided over the ceremony.
The officers are tasked with closely monitoring the living conditions of children in the district and identifying early warning signs of abuse so that timely support can be provided.
The newly elected council chair said the government should mandate child abuse prevention education for prospective parents. "We must have government-backed support to make child abuse prevention education mandatory for expectant parents," the chair said. "I will work together with fellow officers and do our utmost to keep children safe."
A special lecture titled "Outreach Child Abuse Prevention Education for Safe Communities and Happy Families" was then held to sharpen the officers' practical skills.
The session focused on building hands-on expertise so officers can quickly recognize signs of abuse in the field and respond appropriately.
The council was established under Article 14 of the Child Welfare Act and the Dobong-gu ordinance governing the operation of child welfare officers and their council.
The appointments are expected to further strengthen a prevention-centered child protection system in which residents play a direct role in closing welfare blind spots in everyday life.
"Please be a steadfast shield for children right where they live, so that every child can grow up happy and safe at home," District Mayor Kim said. "Together with the newly appointed officers, I will spare no effort to make Dobong a child-friendly city where children can smile."
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