Assemblyman Jang Byungguk Proposes Expansion of Support for Isolated and Withdrawn Adolescents and Young Adults in Gyeongnam

Expanding Support Scope:
From Early Identification to Recovery and Follow-up Management
to Prevent Re-isolation

Jang Byungguk, a member of the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly (Miryang 1, People Power Party), sponsored the "Partial Amendment Ordinance for the Support of Isolated and Withdrawn Adolescents and Young Adults in Gyeongsangnam-do" on March 13, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of support measures for isolated and withdrawn adolescents and young adults in the province.

This amendment focuses on proactively identifying those eligible for support and establishing a systematic support framework that encompasses not only a return to daily life but also the restoration of social relationships and the prevention of re-isolation.

Assemblyman Byungguk Jang of Gyeongnam Provincial Council (Miryang 1). Courtesy of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council

Assemblyman Jang stated, "The issues of isolation and withdrawal are not burdens that individuals should bear alone, but challenges that the local community and the administration must address responsibly together. Through this ordinance amendment, we aim to more actively identify adolescents and young adults in need, and to establish a comprehensive support system that covers counseling, recovery, social relationship building, and follow-up management."

The main points of the amendment include: ▲ Establishing legal grounds for the proactive identification and support of isolated and withdrawn adolescents and young adults; ▲ Specifying the scope of support to include not only 'return to daily life' but also 'restoration of daily and social relationships'; ▲ Introducing follow-up management support to prevent re-isolation or withdrawal; ▲ Providing the basis for the establishment and operation of support centers, outsourcing, and budgetary support.

Assemblyman Jang explained, "While the existing ordinance provided a basic framework for supporting the recovery of isolated and withdrawn adolescents and young adults, it lacked regulations for proactive identification, restoration of social relationships, and follow-up management to prevent re-isolation, limiting its effectiveness as a practical social reintegration support system. Through this amendment, we aim to establish the legal basis for the installation and operation of support centers, and to build a more systematic support system that connects identification, recovery, social reintegration, and follow-up management."

Meanwhile, this amendment is scheduled to be submitted and voted on at the 431st provisional session of the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly, which will be held in April 2026.

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