Subsidies will be provided to at-risk children and young people who face difficulties while caring for their families. If they apply for the "self-care benefit" and are selected for support, local governments will provide the subsidy in the form of a credit or debit card within one month.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said on the 17th that the Cabinet approved a proposed enforcement decree for the Act on Support for At-Risk Children and Youth Engaged in Family Care. The decree will take effect on the 26th.
Under the decree, at-risk children or young people caring for their families can apply for support online. A dedicated body will conduct counseling to select beneficiaries, draw up support plans tailored to individual circumstances and needs, and provide ongoing case management.
Local governments may designate or commission a dedicated body to carry out support services for at-risk children and youth. The ministry will evaluate the performance of these dedicated bodies every three years, and local governments may also conduct ad hoc inspections when necessary.
The Minister of Health and Welfare may certify institutions that run exemplary programs for at-risk children and youth as "specialized agencies for supporting at-risk children and youth." Certified institutions will receive support for publicity, facility improvements, and program development and operation.
Lee Sang-jin, director general for population and child policy at the ministry, said, "With the enactment of this enforcement decree, an institutional foundation has been laid for supporting at-risk children and youth," adding, "We will expand support through designating dedicated bodies, paying the self-care benefit, and certifying specialized agencies."