Eunpyeong-gu Provides 300,000 KRW Monthly Independence Allowance Per Youth Leaving Shelter

Community Attention and Unbiased Perspectives Needed for At-Risk Youth Including Runaways

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced that starting this year, with support from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and Seoul City, it will provide a self-reliance support allowance of 300,000 KRW per month per youth for up to three years to youths who have left short-term and mid- to long-term youth shelters.

The self-reliance support allowance for youths leaving shelters is given to youths aged 18 or older who have been protected for more than two years within the last three years at short-term or mid- to long-term shelters. Even after returning to their original families, they will receive customized case management through the Eunpyeong-gu Youth Counseling Welfare Center.

In Eunpyeong-gu, there is a temporary shelter called ‘SwimSwim’ and a mid- to long-term shelter called ‘Haesol,’ which support youths in crisis such as runaway youths by assisting with their living, education, and self-reliance, helping them overcome crisis situations and return healthily to their families and society.

Especially since last year, due to the COVID-19 situation, activities have been focused on non-face-to-face and small group visits to youths outside their homes.

A project official stated, “For the healthy self-reliance of youths leaving shelters, both mental and economic support must accompany it, and the interest of the local community and a non-prejudiced perspective are necessary. We will actively discover related projects.”