Gyeonggi-do Provides 'Customized Support' for Reclusive Hikikomori

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is conducting outreach counseling services for 'Home族(Homejok)' and 'reclusive youth' who have increased due to COVID-19.

Reclusive youth generally refer to individuals who do not go to work or school and stay at home without interacting with anyone other than family members.

Recently, due to the fear caused by COVID-19 and social distancing, the number of 'Home族' who stay at home without going outside has increased, and many of them are likely to become reclusive youth.

Accordingly, the Gyeonggi Youth Counseling and Welfare Center operates the 'Jipkok Project' to provide psychological and emotional support not only to reclusive youth who find it difficult to go outside but also to their parents and families.

The Jipkok Project consists of ▲ outreach home visit counseling by youth companions ▲ individual counseling for reclusive youth ▲ multifaceted youth support linked with crisis support systems.

Instead of forcibly bringing youth outside, a professional counselor called a 'youth companion' visits the home directly, meets and counsels them at home, and gradually facilitates communication.

Also, if a crisis support system is needed, the project connects with hospitals, shelters, child protection agencies, mental health welfare centers, study rooms, and other resources to provide customized services best suited for the youth.

Youth aged 9 to 24 and their guardians can apply for counseling by calling 'Youth Hotline 1388.'

Kim Hyang-ja, Director of Youth Affairs at the provincial office, said, "This is a time when interest in reclusive youth and their families may wane due to social distancing," adding, "We will strive to ensure that the Jipkok Project helps those who find it difficult to go outside recover."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.