Youth Foundation Launches 'Family Connection 3rd Cohort' Program for Restoring Parent-Child Relationships

[Kim Hyun-il, CEO of PureunGorae Recovery Center, conducting parent education for isolated youth in 2024]

The Youth Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation) launched the third session of the isolated youth parent education program, "Family Connection 3rd Cohort," on the 13th, targeting over 20 parents struggling due to their children's isolation and withdrawal.

The isolated youth parent education program is designed to help parents who are concerned about their children's isolated and withdrawn state to progress toward restoring relationships with their children based on healthy self-understanding.

Supported by the Community Chest of Korea, the Foundation and the Blue Whale Recovery Center, a non-profit organization, collaboratively develop and operate a systematic parent education curriculum.

The Family Connection 3rd Cohort program consists of a total of 13 sessions covering topics in the following order: ▲relationship with oneself ▲relationship with family ▲relationship with society ▲relationship with children ▲basic and advanced family systems ▲understanding mental health. Additionally, a parent healing camp for recovery will be held over three days and two nights in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province.

During the orientation for the Family Connection 3rd Cohort held that day, a lecture titled "Am I Growing as a Parent?" was delivered by Kim Hyun-il, CEO of the Recovery Center. Participating parents shared the difficulties they each face, and meaningful time was spent providing advice and counseling on individual cases.

[Kim Hyun-il, CEO of Pureun Whale Recovery Center, answering questions from education participants]

The majority of participants stated, "It was difficult to even talk about concerns regarding our children's isolation and withdrawal to those around us, and as parents, we had no information on how to resolve it," adding, "Through the Family Connection program, we want to encounter various cases and receive mutual support from parents facing similar concerns."

Furthermore, the Foundation supports community activities through self-help groups for participating parents. By segmenting participant groups according to their children's situations and ages, it is expected to serve as a channel for parents to delve deeper into their difficulties and concerns and share their stories with one another.

Park Joo-hee, Secretary General of the Youth Foundation, stated, "When a child is in a state of isolation, parents inevitably suffer as well, which can lead to family breakdown," and added, "Through parent education, we will work to change the family environment and support youth in escaping isolation and settling stably in society."