A Study on Child Welfare Functions and Administrative Structure of Taiwan’s Central Government

Coinciding with changes in Taiwan’s political, economic and social environment, the welfare system has gradually expanded in budget and administration due to increased needs for services. Factors including higher level of education, increased female labor force participation, changes in population and family structure, low birth rate, all contribute to higher demand for proper child care. Legislations and government social policies have also widened the scope of social welfare coverage beyond the traditional social assistance and child protection to include child daycare, after-school care, medical care, early intervention for children with special needs, teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquent and crime, sex trade involving children and youth. Societal expectations have triggered government’s changes in policy and expansion in social welfare services.
This objective of this study is to examine the functionalities and organizational structure of the child welfare system in Taiwan’s central government as well as to explore related organizational development issues and challenges. The research method includes an extensive literature search, analysis of official documents, and semi-structured interviews. The author’s own professional experience as the director general of the Children’s Welfare Bureau, Ministry of Interior, proves to be relevant and useful.
In 2012, a major reorganization initiative at the national level will see amalgamation of the central government’s health and social welfare departments and agencies. The existing Children’s Welfare Bureau will be absolved by a new department within the new Ministry of Health and Welfare. This study attempts to address potential impacts, both positive and negative, in service delivery that may result from the reorganization.
To conclude, this paper presents lessons learned and recommendations in hopes that the reorganization will bring about a new paradigm in Taiwan’s child welfare.