Seoul establishes integrated support team for parents with borderline intellectual disabilities
Provides counseling and diagnosis via phone and SNS
Coordinates welfare facilities and residential locations,
〈Photo=Pixabay〉
There are people known as ‘slow learners’ with an IQ of 71-84, referred to as ‘borderline intelligence’. They do not fall under intellectual disabilities with an IQ below 70 but face difficulties in daily life. The Seoul metropolitan government defines them as individuals who “fail to adapt to their society and require support and protection.”
Seoul city announced that it will provide support for single parents with borderline intellectual disabilities on the upcoming ‘Single-Parent Family Day’ on the 10th. There are approximately 40,000 borderline intelligence individuals among 287,878 single-parent households in Seoul.
When a single parent with borderline intelligence raises a child alone, the child is at a higher risk of accidents like falls in daily life. However, as they are not considered as intellectually disabled, these single parents receive support similar to that of regular single parents.
Seoul city explained, “Experts advise that if appropriate parenting support is provided, single parents with borderline intelligence can fulfill their parental roles like any other person.” They also announced that they have prepared support measures for single-parent families with borderline intelligence.
First, Seoul city will establish an ‘integrated support team’ within the Single-Parent Family Support Center. They will operate a dedicated counseling service through phone and SNS and provide tests to determine if the individual has borderline intelligence. Many individuals with borderline intelligence are unaware of their condition or unknowingly live within the category of borderline intelligence.
Upon diagnosis, tailored support measures for safe childcare will be provided. A ‘Case Management Committee’ comprising around 5 experts will comprehensively consider the home environment, the will of the caregiver, and professional opinions. If there are suspicions of developmental delays in the child, intervention by specialized institutions is arranged.
If the parent wishes to directly care for the child in the local community, personalized support will be provided. A professional coordinator will conduct 1:1 home visits for living support and monitoring. In cases where temporary accommodation is required, they will be connected to ‘Single-Parent Family Welfare Facilities’. If the caregiving environment is extremely difficult, they will be linked to home care services and child welfare facilities.
Kim Sun-soon, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Women and Family Policy Department, stated, “In a situation where low birth rates are serious and efforts to encourage birth are crucial, it is equally important to raise born children in a healthy and safe manner.” She emphasized, “Single parents with borderline intelligence who have to raise children alone need even more urgent care and support from society.”
, ‘\n’]