A 38-year-old former Taipei social worker is suspected of embezzling more than NT$12 million (US$378,024) from five seniors unable to manage their own finances, prompting the Ministry of Health and Welfare to order an investigation and review regulations involving government guardianship.
The social worker, surnamed Chiang (江), has several years of experience in the field, previously working with the Garden of Mercy Foundation before securing a position at Taipei’s Department of Social Welfare.
The Taipei District Court today approved prosecutors’ request to detain Chiang incommunicado over a strong risk of collusion and compelling evidence of corruption.
Photo: Liu Yung-yun, Taipei Times
Police referred the case to prosecutors for investigation after the Taipei department discovered financial discrepancies while conducting a handover inventory, as Chiang had resigned earlier this year to take a job at the New Taipei City Government.
As a licensed social worker, Chiang is subject to the Social Worker Act (社會工作師法), meaning her license can be revoked if she is convicted of an intentional crime related to professional duties, Department of Social Assistance and Social Work Director Yang Ya-lan (楊雅嵐) said today.
The health ministry has asked the Taipei City Government to launch an investigation and would refer Chiang for disciplinary action if serious misconduct is confirmed, Yang said.
If Chiang’s license is subsequently revoked, she would no longer qualify to serve as a social worker, and the information would be published in the ministry’s online database, she added.
Under the Senior Citizens Welfare Act (老人福利法) and Civil Code, local governments can assist in managing the assets of people with dementia, disabilities or other special needs who are unable to do so themselves when they have no relatives or other suitable people to help, Social and Family Affairs Administration Director Chou Tao-chun (周道君) said.
While relatives account for the majority of guardians for seniors in Taiwan, when there are no suitable relatives, a local government or organization appointed by the court may serve as guardian, Chao said.
Once details of the Taipei case are clear, his department would discuss with the city government whether there are gaps in existing regulations or implementation, he added.
Meanwhile, the Social and Family Affairs Administration is discussing adult guardianship rules with civic groups and considering Japan’s approach, in which specialized professionals such as lawyers can serve as guardians, although this would involve additional fees, he said.
Discussions are ongoing on whether the approach would be suitable for Taiwan and what support would be needed, he added.
Additional reporting by CNA
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