Yeon Gyu-sik, a member of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly. [Provided by the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly]
Yeon Gyu-sik, a member of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly. [Provided by the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly]

The North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly announced Thursday that People Power Party lawmaker Yeon Gyu-sik, representing Pohang, has introduced an amendment to the provincial ordinance on the protection and support of youth outside family care before the Health and Welfare Committee.

The proposed amendment strengthens the legal basis for independence support so that youth who have left institutional care can settle stably into society, and systematically defines the requirements for establishing and operating youth shelters that protect and assist them.

Key provisions include new programs for psychological counseling and emotional stability support, legal advisory and litigation assistance, and support for academic, residential, daily living, education and employment needs. The amendment also covers the payment of independence settlement grants and allowances, asset-building and follow-up management support, training programs to strengthen self-reliance, and the establishment and operation of youth shelters — including counseling, protection, housing, and academic and college-entrance guidance.

The amendment is scheduled for a final vote at the 366th extraordinary session of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly on Oct. 15.

"We will build a comprehensive support system spanning protection, independence and follow-up care, so that youth outside family care are not forced to give up on self-reliance due to financial hardship or a lack of social support," Yeon said.


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