[Plaza] Independent Living of Out-of-Home Youth

The family is a place where children and adolescents receive various supports necessary for a healthy transition into adulthood, such as academic, economic, and emotional assistance. Unfortunately, we often hear news about families that fail to provide a protective environment for them. Adolescents who find it difficult to live in their original families due to family breakdowns, domestic violence, or abuse are sometimes forced out into the outside world without any protection. According to the "Survey on Youth Shelter Residents and Workers" conducted last year by the Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute, 61% of out-of-home youth reported running away due to "conflicts with parents."

Yoo Ji (pseudonym), 21 years old, is a well-known YouTuber who teaches the basics of jokgu (a Korean sport similar to foot volleyball). In fact, Yoo Ji was an out-of-home youth who had moved between youth shelters since childhood. However, with active support from the Youth Independence Support Center, Yoo Ji succeeded in securing employment at a small-to-medium enterprise and recently moved into an LH rental housing unit. In short, Yoo Ji has successfully become independent. Now, with a stable life that allows for hobbies like YouTube, Yoo Ji has become a hopeful model for the independence of out-of-home youth.

Considering that youth independence includes the preparation process for economic, psychological, and social independence from parents (guardians), the state inevitably needs to take on the role of guardian for out-of-home youth who cannot be protected by their families to help them become healthy members of society. Out-of-home youth experience anxiety due to economic instability and lack of academic or vocational opportunities necessary for preparing for adult life and independence. Moreover, with the recent economic downturn and employment insecurity caused by COVID-19, they face even more challenging realities. Therefore, establishing a public support system for independence is crucial to provide youth who cannot return to their families with the information and resources necessary for independence. Furthermore, to ensure successful independence, it is necessary to help youth prepare sustainably by fostering independence will, daily life management, self-protection, and housing support, rather than making them dependent solely on material support.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute provide support necessary for building a foundation for independence through nine Youth Independence Support Centers nationwide, including guidance on reasonable consumption and savings, daily life management, psychological and emotional support, and vocational and academic assistance. Established and operated based on the Youth Welfare Support Act, these centers provide continuous case management for youth aged 19 to 24 who have left shelters. Starting this year, the support system includes a monthly independence allowance of 300,000 KRW and the provision of LH public rental housing for youth residing in the centers. This is why Yoo Ji was able to secure a home and truly stand on their own.

Although out-of-home youth receive necessary support through the public sector to lay the foundation for independence, the efforts of society as a whole must accompany them until they fully grow into healthy adults. Youth who have left their families without parental protection and support and are striving tirelessly for survival need society’s unbiased perspective and warm interest to firmly take root as members of society.

Lee Ki-soon, Chairman of the Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute