A 20-month-old child was found dead from malnutrition after their daycare failed to check on their absence because the child's mother reported the absence without follow-up verification.
A recent tragic case in Incheon revealed that a 20-month-old girl, identified as G, died from malnutrition, having not attended daycare since her first day of intended attendance. According to child abuse protocols, the daycare was supposed to confirm the child's status over the phone on the first day of unverified absence, but since the mother informed them of the absence for her participation in her older daughter's elementary school ceremony, they did not conduct this necessary check. Consequently, G's absence went without the required evaluation, allowing a potentially dangerous situation to escalate without intervention.
On the second day of absence, the daycare attempted to reach out to the mother but was unsuccessful, leading them to inform a relative that a home visit was needed after two consecutive absent days. Unfortunately, the relative found G deceased in her home, having reportedly not received essential food and care despite being a recipient of government assistance aimed at families in need. It has come to light that G's family received over 3 million Korean Won monthly in financial support, with the last visit to a local food market providing supplies just one month before her tragic death, including basic food items and some personal effects.
In the aftermath of this incident, the authorities have been criticized for their failure to adhere to established child welfare protocols that are designed to protect vulnerable children. The local government has stated that they are reviewing their processes and seeking to improve communication and action with at-risk families. This case highlights the critical need for diligent follow-ups in childcare settings and raises questions regarding systemic flaws in the social support system that allowed such a neglectful situation to occur.
