'70 Young Adults Start Independent Life Annually in Incheon'... Support for Self-Reliant Youth with 'In(People) Project' 추진

Systematic Support in Six Areas Including Independence, Housing, Emotional Well-being, and Employment

Incheon City is significantly expanding support for youth preparing for independence who are taking their first steps into society.

On the 22nd, the city announced that it will invest 9.8 billion KRW this year to promote the 'In(pum) Project,' which supports youth preparing for independence in six areas including housing and employment.

Youth preparing for independence are young people who have aged out of child care facilities, group homes, or foster care (at age 18, extendable up to 24). In Incheon, about 70 such youths enter society each year and prepare to stand on their own. As of January this year, the total number reached 619.

The 'In(pum) Project,' meaning 'Incheon’s Embrace,' aims to support youth preparing for independence like a parent's embrace through the combined efforts of the city and its citizens. The project provides integrated services covering all aspects of life through 21 programs in six areas: independent living, housing stability, psychological and emotional support, employment and career support, pre-exit support for those about to leave care, and establishment of an independent foundation.

First, to expand economic support for youth preparing for independence starting this year, the city will increase the settlement support fund from 8 million KRW to 10 million KRW and raise the independence allowance from 350,000 KRW to 400,000 KRW per month. Additionally, the number of beneficiaries receiving case management fees for living, housing, education, and medical care up to 400,000 KRW per month through Incheon’s dedicated independence support agency will increase from 70 to 105.

Using local private sponsorship organizations, the city will support living expenses, moving costs, and housing environment improvements that government subsidies alone cannot cover. Through the 'Body Health Project,' which links the dedicated independence support agency with hospitals, health management such as health check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care will also be provided.

The city also plans to operate a 24-room independent living facility and experience center near a conveniently accessible subway station, supported by private companies, to provide a stable housing environment for youth preparing for independence. Furthermore, it will alleviate housing cost burdens by linking with rental housing from the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and the city’s ongoing monthly rent deposit support project.

For psychological and emotional support, the city will support 'Baramgaevi Supporters,' a self-help group of youth preparing for independence, to share and resolve issues encountered during the process of standing on their own. Additionally, a 'Citizen Mentor Group' consisting of public officials, legal, tax, and medical professionals will be operated to provide information and advice in various fields necessary for daily life.

For youth who find it difficult to focus on vocational training due to livelihood reasons, the city will support life-oriented jobs that allow them to combine work and vocational experience. It will also provide opportunities for vocational experience by linking with workplaces of sponsors in fields such as barista, beauty, and baking skills.

Alongside this, the city will provide education in areas such as finance, college admission, employment, and skills for children aged 15 and older in child welfare facilities or foster care to gradually prepare them for independence before they leave care. In particular, an independence competency program will be supported for 50 children with borderline intellectual functioning.

Kim Ji-young, Director of the Women and Family Bureau of Incheon City, said, "We will unite the city and local community to help youth preparing for independence settle as healthy members of society." She added, "Once the 'Needs and Status Survey Research on Youth Preparing for Independence,' currently conducted by the Incheon Women and Family Foundation, is completed, we will develop and implement independence support policies tailored to regional characteristics based on the findings."