Taipei City social worker was implicated in embezzling more than NT$12 million in property from an elderly person under guardianship, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare requested an administrative investigation

Jiang Yijie, a 38-year-old social worker from the Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau, was suspected of taking advantage of her position to embezzle more than 12 million yuan from five warded elders who were unable to manage their own property, attracting attention from the outside world. The Department of Social Work of the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that it has issued a document requesting Taipei City to initiate an administrative investigation. If major violations are confirmed, the social worker involved will be handed over for punishment, and the worst case scenario may be the revocation of the social worker license. The Social Welfare Department pointed out that after the case is clarified, it will review whether there are any gaps in the implementation or regulations.

Social worker Jiang has many years of experience in the field of social work. In the past, he served as the family social worker supervisor of the Children's and Children's Group of the Amity Foundation, responsible for government placement and care of children with special needs. He has also been interviewed by the media. When the divorce case attracted attention from the outside world, he also appeared on a program to discuss the child protection and adoption system.

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Director of Social Work Yang Yalan said that social worker Jiang has the status of a social worker and is subject to the regulations of the "Social Worker Law". His license can be revoked according to law if he commits intentional crimes related to his business and is found guilty. Although the case in Bei City is still under investigation, Article 17 of the "Social Worker Law" can also be applied. If the Beijing City Government determines that the social worker surnamed Jiang has committed gross negligence or improper behavior, he can directly transfer him to punishment.

Yang Yalan said that the Ministry of Health and Welfare has sent a letter to Taipei City to initiate an administrative investigation. If major violations are confirmed, social worker Jiang will be handed over for punishment. If the license is later confirmed to be revoked, social worker Jiang will no longer be able to obtain the social worker qualification. The information will also be published in the "Social Worker Punishment Inquiry Area" of the Department of Social Assistance and Social Work of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Regarding whether the "adult guardianship system" will be reviewed in the future based on this case, Director of Social Welfare Zhou Daojun explained that for elders with dementia, disability, etc. who are unable to manage their own property or have other special needs, according to the "Elderly Welfare Law", "Civil Law", etc., if there are no relatives or other suitable managers, the local government can assist in managing the property.

Zhou Daojun said that the majority of guardians for the elderly in my country are relatives. If there are no suitable relatives, the guardian may be the local government or an agency designated by the court. The details of the case in Bei City are still under investigation. The Social Welfare Department will learn about the details from Bei City to clarify whether there are any areas that need to be strengthened in the management process or implementation, or whether there are gaps in the current regulations, and will discuss with the local government after clear information is available.

In addition, Zhou Daojun said that the Social Welfare Department is also continuing to discuss the guardianship regulations of the adult guardianship system with civil society. In the future, it may refer to Japan's practice and let external professionals take charge. A certain proportion of adult guardianships in this country are handled by lawyers who specialize in this type of guardianship. However, additional guardianship management fees will also be incurred. Whether my country's national conditions can accept it, the required supporting and counseling mechanisms, and the establishment of concepts are still under discussion.