Forum on “Law on Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless”

Caritas Korea International (Chairperson: Most Rev. Lucas Kim Woon-hoe) held a forum on the “Law on Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless” at the Auditorium of the CCK on March 22, 2012.

Dr. Jeong Won-oh, Professor at the Department of Social Welfare, Sungkonghoe University, gave the keynote note speech on the legislative process, outlining and explaining the Law on Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless. The keynote speech was followed by a panel discussion on the possible problems resulting from the enactment of the law. About 40 participants in charge of welfare facilities for the homeless and vagrants took part.

Prof. Jeong said, “the Law on Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless is not just for the homeless and vagrants, but also for all the socially vulnerable who need a home. There may be some problems to be worked out at the outset of the enforcement of the law; however, we must give deep consideration to those who can enjoy the benefits of the law.”

Rev. Francis Jung Seong-hwan, Secretary of the CBCK Committee for “Caritas Coreana”, said, “The participants made good points about the law on the practical level. We are going to have time to talk about the practicality of the law when we invite a government official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare who is in charge of the law.”

The Law on Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless was enacted on June 7, 2011 and will take effect on June 8, 2012. The law was enacted to promote the human rights of the homeless as well as to provide help in their efforts for self-reliance, putting the responsibility for welfare services for the homeless on the central and local governments which are equipped with an integral supporting system.