Gwacheon City Proves It's 'An Excellent City for Raising Children'...Ranks First Nationally in Child Growth Environment Assessment

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Yu Je-sung] Gwacheon City has once again proven itself to be 'an excellent city for raising children' after being selected as the nation's top-ranked city in a child growth environment assessment.

According to an analysis of the 'Republic of Korea Child Growth Environment Index' announced last month by Green Umbrella, a child welfare specialist organization, Gwacheon City recorded a total score of 91.34 points across four areas—health, education, welfare, and community—placing it first nationally. This figure shows a significant gap compared to the second-place local government (88.01 points).

The 'Republic of Korea Child Growth Environment Index' is significant as the first privately-conducted comprehensive diagnosis of the child growth environment in all 229 municipalities nationwide.

Last year, through organizational restructuring, the city established the 'Child Welfare Division,' a dedicated department for child policy, and is expanding customized support for children and child-rearing families. The city is helping secure stable housing by supporting jeonse loan interest for newlywed couples and supplying 'Gwacheon-style housing,' and is also implementing a child-rearing voucher support program for multi-child households.

Additionally, the city is making efforts to create a safer and higher-quality childcare environment by providing additional municipal budget support to child-use facilities such as daycare centers, community childcare centers, and local children's centers. Furthermore, the city continues to expand various programs and child-friendly policies to guarantee children's right to play and right to participate.

In 2024, the city acquired UNICEF 'Child-Friendly City' certification and is currently operating 36 key implementation projects. In particular, the city is preparing to open a Child Protection Specialist Agency in the second half of this year for the prevention of child abuse and protection of victimized children, which is expected to establish a more professional and systematic child protection system.

Ahn Mi-young, head of the Child Welfare Division, stated, "This selection as the nation's top-ranked city is the result of consistent efforts to create a city where both children and parents are happy," and added, "Going forward, we will strengthen child-friendly policies and childcare support so that children can grow up healthy and safe."