Illegal Childcare Center Reopens Under New Name; Taoyuan City Government Initiates Penalties and Transfers

Central News Agency (Taipei) May 22. An illegal childcare facility in Taoyuan was exposed, leading DPP Legislator Chang Ya-lin and City Councilor Huang Chiung-hui to hold a press conference today. The operator had been fined for illegal childcare in March but simply moved and resumed operations. The legislators criticized the Taoyuan City Government for its lack of oversight and demanded a review of inspection mechanisms. The Taoyuan City Department of Women and Children's Development stated that it launched a joint inspection immediately after receiving reports, imposed strict penalties, and initiated transfer and placement mechanisms for the children. The department is assisting affected parents in finding legal childcare resources to ensure the safety of the children. During the press conference, Councilor Huang noted that the facility was operating in a farmhouse, caring for 21 children with only three staff members. Legislator Chang pointed out that the shortage of public childcare in Taoyuan forces parents to turn to illegal "black market" childcare, urging the city to address the fundamental lack of resources.