11 agencies join forces to identify and support at-risk youth early, with an emergency communication network for rapid joint response
Jungnang-gu has formed a "Youth Life-Protection Community Safety Network Council" to prevent youth suicide and build an early-detection and support system for high-risk youth, holding its inaugural meeting at the district office Tuesday.
The council is made up of youth-related agencies including the Jungnang-gu district office, the public health center, the district office of education, the Wee Center, the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center, and the Jungnang-gu Mental Health and Welfare Center. When a youth emergency arises, 11 partner agencies — including school Wee classes, the out-of-school youth support center, the family center, the community welfare center, and police and fire departments — will join the response, with each agency acting swiftly according to its area of expertise.
At the first meeting, participants shared key statistics on youth suicide in Jungnang-gu and introduced the programs and roles of agencies involved in youth life-protection efforts. They also discussed specific plans for inter-agency coordination and cooperation.
The council plans to hold regular meetings at least once every two months, with additional sessions convened as needed when emergencies arise.
The council will also establish and operate an emergency communication network among member agencies to enable rapid information sharing and joint response when a youth suicide crisis occurs, while linking counseling, case management and other necessary services to strengthen community-wide cooperation.
"Protecting the safety and healthy development of young people requires the attention of the entire community and close cooperation among agencies," Jungnang-gu District Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said. "We will continue to work with our partner agencies to detect at-risk youth early and strengthen the local safety net so that the support they need remains within reach."
If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.
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