<h1>Transitioning Youth and the Social Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Independence</h1>

 In South Korea, every year many children and adolescents are cared for in residential facilities (childcare institutions, group homes, etc., government-run facilities that temporarily house youth). When they turn 18, their legal protection ends. After leaving care, these youths must enter society independently and prepare for self-reliance.

 

A few years ago, the system was revised, allowing those who wish to stay in care until the age of 24.

Nonetheless, entering society without supportive adults nearby remains a significant challenge.

 

These individuals are referred to as transitioning youth leaving care.

  

The government released the 2024 guidebook to support private initiatives for transitioning youth. Photo shows the cover. (Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea Institute of Child Rights and Policy)

Typical Youth Protection and Preparation

 

Most South Korean youths live with their parents and receive parental care. Even after turning 20, many continue to live with their parents until marriage.

During this time, they acquire various skills and knowledge necessary to function as members of society. They learn and practice managing expenses, handling administrative procedures, and independent living, gradually becoming more mature and preparing for self-sufficiency.

 

However, transitioning youth are suddenly thrust into society once their legal protection ends.

While independent living education is provided during the care period, the young age of participants often means they cannot fully understand or focus on the training.

 

Thus, transitioning youth need to prepare in multiple areas, including employment, housing, social networks, and psychological adjustment.

The Role of the Social Economy and Social Innovation

 

Traditional support alone is often insufficient for transitioning youth to lead stable and meaningful lives.

Here, the social economy (Social Economy) and social innovation (Social Innovation) play an important role.

 

When these concepts are connected to youth support, transitioning youth gain opportunities for skills development, social network expansion, and sustainable participation.

 

Transitioning Youth and the Social Economy

 

Social economy organizations tend to be more flexible and participation-oriented than conventional companies.

Examples include:

➡Social venture projects led or co-led by youth

➡Cooperative employment models operated with local residents

➡Community-based programs in care, education, and cultural content

 

Through these activities, youth can leverage their experiences and local resources to design new career paths.

 

Social innovation and social economy organizations can also design systems to ensure these jobs are sustainable and meaningful.

 

The expected benefits include:

For youth: economic independence, expanded social networks, and increased self-efficacy

For communities: more local employment opportunities, realization of social value, and community activation

  

Conclusion

 

The challenges faced by transitioning youth are not solely the responsibility of individuals.

The social economy and social innovation provide pathways beyond simple employment, opening avenues for sustainable living and social participation.

 

South Korea’s examples demonstrate that social economy and social innovation can serve as innovative models supporting youth independence.

 

“The social economy and social innovation offer transitioning youth more than just jobs—they provide pathways to sustainable independence and meaningful social participation.”