여가부, 아이돌보미 인적성 검사...자격정지 2년 도입<br /><br />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.<br />Kim Mok-yeon has the details.<br /> 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. <br />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. <br />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. <br />The ministry will also improve educational seminars for existing babysitters.<br />"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.<br />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."<br />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. <br />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.<br />Surprise inspections will also take place.<br />In the meantime,... the government will continue running its temporary center for child abuse reports and establish a permanent one by July.<br /> Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News. <br />
