Damyang Youth Center Receives 'Minister of Gender Equality and Family Award' for Crime Prevention

Support for Customized Services for At-Risk and Out-of-School Youth

The Damyang-gun Youth Counseling and Welfare Center received the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Award in the field of protection for socially vulnerable groups at the 9th Korea Crime Prevention Awards held on the 30th at the JoongAng Ilbo Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
[Photo provided by Damyang-gun]

The Damyang County Youth Counseling and Welfare Center (hereinafter referred to as the Youth Center), operated by the Damyang County Welfare Foundation, received the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Award in the field of protection for socially vulnerable groups at the '9th Korea Crime Prevention Awards' held on the 30th at the JoongAng Ilbo Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

The Youth Center was recognized for its significant contributions to protecting marginalized and vulnerable youth, early detection and integrated support for youth in crisis, and realizing a happy family community for youth by forming a 'Socially Vulnerable Protection Council' with the Damyang Police Station and 12 other organizations.

Established in 2011, the Youth Center operates youth safety net construction, customized integrated services for youth in crisis, and support projects for out-of-school youth. Since last year, the youth safety net has provided a special support fund of 40 million KRW to offer tailored services such as living expenses, education, and medical care to 23 youth in need. Additionally, through one-on-one customized services including counseling, education, employment, and self-reliance support for out-of-school youth struggling with school maladjustment, 100 individuals have successfully returned to school and entered society.

Furthermore, the Youth Center actively supports out-of-school youth with school trips, scholarships, and clothing through an organic cooperative relationship with the Damyang County Welfare Foundation and the Damyang Police Station.

On the 31st, Center Director Son Eun-ah stated, “Creating a happy Damyang for youth requires establishing a safe environment for youth growth,” and added, “We will continue to take the lead in supporting youth by building an organic cooperative system with local governments and related organizations.”