Seoul City Opens Dedicated Shelter for Children with Disabilities

Opening of Private Facilities for Children with Disabilities Under 18 Years Old

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 7th that it has opened a "Shelter for Abused Disabled Children" to strengthen protection for disabled children who are victims of abuse and to support their healthy growth.

The newly opened boys-only shelter for abused disabled children covers an area of 108.13㎡ and consists of a living room, counseling room, playroom, bedroom, kitchen, and more. For the convenience of the admitted disabled children, the interior space has been made level from the entrance, restrooms are equipped with facilities for the disabled, and the design and furniture arrangement of each space consider the emotional development of disabled children.

The shelter can accommodate up to four residents and operates 24/7, providing customized care services tailored to each child through emergency protection, individual counseling, treatment and educational support, and follow-up management for abused children.

Additionally, to immediately protect abused disabled children, the city, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and Seoul Disability Rights Advocacy Agency have established a joint response system for disability abuse and are focusing on enhancing on-site capabilities related to abuse cases.

The city plans to open a girls-only shelter for abused disabled children in March, establishing a support system for emotional stability and reintegration into daily life for the affected disabled children.

Gwanghyun Ko, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Disability Welfare Policy Division, stated, "We have opened a shelter for abused disabled children. This is a very meaningful step toward protecting abused disabled children who have been in blind spots and promoting the human rights of persons with disabilities. Although the boys' facility opened first, we will prepare the girls' facility thoroughly and open it without any shortcomings. We will also do our best to protect abused disabled children and help them return well to their daily lives."