열여덟, 다시 거리에 서다 [풀영상] | 창 483회 (KBS 24.10.22)

Every year, approximately 2,000 young people prepare for independence and take their first steps into society. Upon discharge, they receive a self-reliance settlement support fund of approximately 10 million won and a monthly allowance of 500,000 won for five years. With each death of a young person preparing for independence, the government adds additional financial support. But is that enough? Have their lives improved? The young people we met are literally living on the edge. To prevent a repeat of this tragedy, [Current Affairs Planning Window] sought clues. ■ Young People Trapped in Memories of Abuse What is life like after independence? Some young people who leave child care facilities and become independent find themselves stranded in shelters, often falling prey to the temptation of crime. Sometimes, this impacts the next generation. Due to insufficient childcare, some even place their own children in facilities, passing it on to future generations. Many suffer from depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder, relying on psychiatric treatment and medication. Stories of countless self-inflicted wounds on their wrists and suicide attempts. For these individuals, saturated with helplessness, the "tomorrow" that awaits them is daunting and frightening. Young people preparing for independence don't suddenly fall from the sky. A common thread among most of these young people is their experience of childhood abuse. The reporting team found clues in their "pre-independence lives." ■ "Institutions," the final destination for abused children As times change, a specific pattern emerges among children placed in institutions. Over the past five years, 42% of children in institutions were victims of direct abuse and neglect. Including family breakdowns such as parental divorce, death, or abandonment, the figure rises to 68%. Children who have experienced abuse and neglect often suffer from developmental disabilities, borderline intelligence, and emotional difficulties such as depression. A survey by the Korea Child Welfare Association found that six to seven out of ten children in foster care suffer from these issues. Facilities staff are feeling the change. Caring for children and addressing their psychological and emotional difficulties present a unique challenge. While some facilities operate their own treatment programs, they are a very small minority. ■ A Reality Where Treatment is Left to Chance Experts emphasize the importance of early and long-term treatment. However, facilities say they lack the capacity or policy support to treat children admitted to their facilities. Treatment is solely the responsibility of the facility, determined by the will of the facility director and financial resources. Child welfare should be equally accessible to all. However, access to appropriate treatment for children has become a matter of chance. Worse, there is no institutional diagnostic system to monitor these children. Policies for young people preparing for independence are largely focused on life after independence. Experts argue that the focus should shift to life before independence. This requires institutional support, including increased professional staff and budgets. Can our society break this cycle? KBS's [Current Affairs Planning Window] delved into the depths of the repeated deaths and despair of children in need of protection and young people preparing for independence, who are left behind in the blind spot of welfare. #CurrentAffairChang #SelfReliance #Protection #Facility #Mental #Youth #System #Support #Suicide #Impulse #SelfHarm #Disease #Treatment Scheduled Air Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024, KBS 1TV, 10:00 PM [CurrentAffairChang] 'Eighteen, Back on the Streets' Reporter: Kim Jeong-dae Cameraman: Shin Han-bi, Ahn Jae-hoon Video Editing: Lee Jong-hwan Research: Kim Je-won Assistant Director: Kim Se-bin 'CurrentAffairChang' Website https://news.kbs.co.kr/vod/program.do... YouTube    / @kbssisa   Facebook   / changkbs   Search 'CurrentAffairChang' in WAVVE