(image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, April 12 (Korea Bizwire) — “Secluded youth” that isolated from the outside world and incapable of carrying out a normal life will now be able to receive living stipends and medical support from the government.
The Ministry of Gender and Equality said Tuesday that the amendment bill for the Youth Welfare Support Act’s enforcement decree was passed at the Cabinet meeting.
Last November, the ministry announced a new plan to boost support for juveniles exposed to high risk circumstances, vowing to provide living stipends and the cost of medical treatment to juveniles between the ages of 9 and 24 exposed to social and economic difficulties.
In the past, the government had provided subsidies only to juveniles at risk of deviation or delinquency, unenrolled juveniles, and those failing to receive proper protection from their guardians.
Now, the new plan will add support for secluded youth.
Many of the secluded youth struggle with slow physical growth due to an irregular lifestyle and malnutrition.
Lagging adjustment to society also exposes them to the risk of depression and mental difficulties, the ministry said.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
