Youth Foundation Launches Family Support for Borderline Intellectual Functioning Youth

by Jung Jin

Published 18 Jul.2024 11:30(KST)

‘Judolbomja Education and Exchange Meeting’, Successful Operation of 1st Term Followed by Recruitment for 2nd Term in August

[Youth Foundation 'Primary Caregiver Education and Exchange Meeting']

The Youth Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation) announced on the 18th that it is operating the program "Primary Caregiver Education and Exchange Meeting" to support the emotional recovery of families of young adults with borderline intellectual functioning.

For young adults with borderline intellectual functioning, family is the most reliable support in life, and the home serves as the vessel and fence that supports their daily lives. Accordingly, through the family support program for young adults with borderline intellectual functioning, the Foundation aims to promote emotional recovery within families and increase understanding of borderline intellectual functioning within the household, thereby leading to the independence of these young adults together with their families.

The first session of the "Primary Caregiver Education and Exchange Meeting," which has been ongoing since June, regularly gathers a total of 15 participants, including parents and siblings of young adults participating in the Foundation's "Work Competency Enhancement and Work Experience Project for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning." The Foundation plans to recruit primary caregivers for the second session in August.

The "Primary Caregiver Education and Exchange Meeting" is broadly composed of programs aimed at the emotional stability and self-reflection of primary caregivers, as well as support for the independence of young adults with borderline intellectual functioning.

First, the program for emotional stability and self-reflection includes △ identifying personality types and enhancing family understanding through MBTI testing and counseling △ understanding borderline intellectual functioning and acquiring mental health care methods △ workshops for mental refreshment and exchange away from daily life △ exploration and experience activities for emotional recovery △ and a 2-night, 3-day family healing camp.

Additionally, to ultimately help primary caregivers support the independence of young adults with borderline intellectual functioning, programs such as △ support methods for youth career exploration △ customized asset management education for youth are also prepared.

A parent A of a young adult with borderline intellectual functioning who participated in the first session shared, "The practical and professional lectures have been very helpful in forming the right values and establishing roles as a parent."

Parent B said, "I was very worried about how to guide my child and issues with my child's friendships, but thanks to this program, much of that concern has been alleviated."

Joohee Park, Secretary General of the Youth Foundation, emphasized, "Although social interest in individuals with borderline intellectual functioning has recently increased, parents and siblings of young adults with borderline intellectual functioning have experienced psychological frustration and despair without knowing the causes or improvement methods as these young adults transition from school age to adulthood. While job development, employment support, and psychological support for the young adults themselves are priority tasks, the health of primary caregivers who have close relationships with these young adults and the role of the family are extremely important for their smooth social adaptation."