South Korea: real lives

There are many children in Korea who suffer from physical, emotional, sexual maltreatment or neglect by parents, guardians or others. Four-year-old Chul Ho is one of those children.

Neglected by his parents, he lived in an unsanitary environment and was constantly forced to beg on the streets. Chul Ho exhibited aggressive behavior, anxiety, acting-out problems and also showed relationship problems.

Ms Kim, a social worker for ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in South Korea, says that Chul Ho had to be taken out of his home and be placed in ChildFund's Group Home in Daejeon, a temporary shelter for abused children. Ms Kim adds: "Children who experience maltreatment, such as physical and psychological neglect and abuse are at risk of developing severe psychiatric problems.

"Many times they are deprived of education and sometimes are in physical danger. It is vital that these children have a place to get treatment and counseling before they are placed in a safe environment."

ChildFund in South Korea runs seven group homes nationwide, as part of a Child Abuse Intervention and Prevention Program. In the homes, abused children are protected and treated through various programs. Children can receive education, treatment and counseling so that they can be emotionally stable and ready for their next step.

ChildFund's Child Abuse Intervention and Prevention Program also includes parental education and awareness programs for communities.