Nation's First 'Self-Reliance Support Master Plan'... Total 106.5 Billion KRW Invested in 4 Major Areas
300,000 KRW Monthly for Talent Development Beyond Housing Costs... 1:1 Career Planning for Middle and High School Students
'One Room Per Child' for Children Over 13 in Care Facilities... New ADHD Treatment Centers Established
Support Maintained After Self-Reliance... 'SOS Fund' Utilizing Private Sponsorship Established
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide a monthly housing allowance of 200,000 KRW to self-reliant youth who have been under the care of child care facilities or foster families and are becoming independent. Additionally, a congratulatory payment of 500,000 KRW will be given upon successful employment, and an 'SOS Fund' will be established to prepare for emergencies.
On the 24th, Seoul announced a mid- to long-term master plan containing comprehensive support measures for self-reliant youth. Currently, about 1,500 self-reliant youth reside in Seoul, with approximately 150 entering society each year. Accordingly, Seoul initiated the first comprehensive plan (Phase 1) in 2021?the first of its kind by a local government?to realize practical independence for self-reliant youth, followed by Phase 2 in 2022 and an enhanced Phase 3 plan in 2023.
The core of this master plan consists of two main points. First, support, which had been limited to the five-year 'self-reliance preparation' period, has been expanded from childhood?the stage before self-reliance preparation?to beyond the end of self-reliance support. Second, although individual circumstances vary, support had been uniformly provided until now; this will shift to a 'customized' approach tailored to each individual's needs. The plan comprises four major areas?▲Finding and nurturing dreams ▲Building self-reliance capabilities ▲A strong first start ▲Community engagement?with 30 detailed projects and a total budget of 106.5 billion KRW over five years.
First, additional practical benefits have been added in the housing sector, which is the biggest concern for self-reliant youth. Following an increase in the self-reliance settlement fund to 20 million KRW this year?the highest nationwide?starting next year, monthly housing support of up to 200,000 KRW will begin. Eligible recipients include those living in private jeonse (lump-sum deposit lease) or monthly rental housing, SH and LH public rental housing, and dormitories. Support will cover monthly rent, loan interest on deposits, and dormitory fees.
After leaving care, new enrollment in group accident insurance will be supported to reduce medical burdens caused by sudden accidents or illnesses. For self-reliant youth who need someone to accompany them to the hospital, a dedicated youth accompaniment manager will provide a 'Door to Door' service. Furthermore, to strengthen employment capabilities, the entire process from job counseling to internships and employment will be supported in cooperation with private companies and public institutions. Self-reliant youth who succeed in finding employment will receive a 500,000 KRW 'New Start Support Fund.'
Considering the possibility of emergency crises, an 'SOS Fund' will be prepared in advance through private donations and other means. The plan is to raise a total of 200 million KRW by 2028, with ongoing efforts to connect youth with necessary cooperative and public resources.
The overall support target has also been expanded. Children living in child care facilities or group homes (grades 3 to 9) will be able to discover and nurture their dreams and talents early through newly established interest and aptitude tests. Children showing talent in arts and physical education will receive a monthly lesson fee of 300,000 KRW. During middle and high school, a 'one-on-one career design consulting' service will be operated to help prepare specific career paths. Support will be expanded to enable all children in care facilities to use 'Seoul Run,' and regular 'Expert Mentor Lectures' will be held where they can meet and receive advice from seniors in fields such as YouTubers, beauty, and broadcasting.
For children aged 13 and older living in child care facilities to have independent personal spaces, 'one room per person' living spaces will be gradually provided in all facilities by 2028. Additionally, the 'Seoul Child Healing Center' will begin operation next year to provide emotional treatment for children requiring care, such as those with ADHD.
To concretely implement this master plan, Seoul will expand the workforce of its dedicated self-reliance support institutions and reorganize its structure. Kim Seon-soon, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Women and Family Office, said, "Seoul will accompany self-reliant youth with a parental heart so they can grow into healthy members of society. To achieve their true independence, we will provide meticulous care from an early age considering their talents and aptitudes and strengthen the support system to offer help whenever needed."
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