The Seoul Metropolitan Government has expanded the age range for supporting family caregivers, from the existing 9 to 34 years old to 9 to 39 years old.
The partial amendment ordinance for supporting family caregivers in Seoul passed the Seoul City Council on April 25 and was promulgated on May 19. This amendment follows the Seoul Youth Basic Ordinance, which sets the upper age limit for youth at 39 years.
The amendment changes the existing term “family caregiving youth” to “family caregiving adolescents and youth,” thus including adolescents in the support target. Veterans who have completed mandatory service will have their service period reflected, extending the maximum age limit for support by up to 3 years.
The Seoul Welfare Foundation discussed expanding the age range based on the suggestion of the “Young Cami (Chemistry of Young Carers)” network last year, leading to this ordinance amendment.
“Young Cami” is a participant network organized to allow family caregivers to proactively propose policies and prepare for self-reliance as members of society. It started activities in June 2023.
Following the ordinance amendment, the Seoul Welfare Foundation plans to promote tailored integrated support such as psychological and emotional support, counseling, and empowerment of self-reliance capabilities not only for those already eligible but also for youths aged 35 to 39.
Yoo Yeon-hee, head of the Social Service Support Center at the Seoul Welfare Foundation, stated, “This marks a turning point where we can provide substantial caregiving support to a broader range from adolescents to those up to 39 years old.”
