CHUNGCHEONGNAM-DO, SOUTH KOREA – The Youth Counseling and Welfare Center of the Chungnam Social Service Agency, under the leadership of Director Kim Young-ok, is set to convene a significant symposium on April 11, 2025, to present the outcomes of its pioneering youth social-psychological trauma support project and to chart its future trajectory. The event marks a crucial juncture in the province's long-standing commitment to addressing the mental health needs of its adolescent population, a commitment formalized with the nation's first "Ordinance on Support for Youth Social-Psychological Trauma" enacted by Chungcheongnam-do in September 2016. The project itself has been actively implemented since 2017, making this symposium a platform to reflect on nearly a decade of dedicated efforts.

Chungcheongnam-do has been at the forefront of providing consistent support for adolescents facing or at risk of psychological trauma for the past nine years. Building upon the successes and lessons learned during this period, the province is now poised to establish an even more sophisticated and responsive support framework. The urgency of this endeavor has been underscored by a growing societal awareness of the escalating risks to youth mental health, including rising rates of suicide ideation, exposure to trauma-inducing events, and the psychological impact of social disasters. Recognizing this critical need, Chungcheongnam-do's proactive approach has served as a national model. To date, 41 metropolitan, city, and county basic local governments across South Korea have followed Chungcheongnam-do's lead by enacting their own ordinances related to youth social-psychological trauma support, demonstrating the widespread recognition of this pressing issue.

The upcoming symposium will delve into the findings of the "2nd Chungcheongnam-do Youth Social-Psychological Trauma Support Comprehensive Plan Establishment Research," completed in 2024. This research will serve as the foundation for in-depth discussions among a diverse panel of experts, stakeholders, and practitioners. The primary focus will be on identifying strategies to enhance the project's efficacy, refine its operational methodologies, and ensure its long-term sustainability. By fostering this collaborative environment, Chungcheongnam-do aims to cultivate an environment where its young citizens can flourish in safety and well-being, underpinned by a robust and enduring support system.

Lee Soon-sil, the Director of the Chungnam Youth Counseling and Welfare Center, emphasized the significance of the upcoming symposium. "This event will provide a vital platform to collectively seek effective solutions to the complex challenges of psychological trauma faced by our youth in Chungcheongnam-do and to engage in meaningful dialogue about practical and impactful support measures," Director Lee stated. "Our unwavering commitment remains to empower adolescents to develop into healthy and resilient members of our society, and we will continue our dedicated efforts in this crucial area."

The symposium is anticipated to be a pivotal event, attracting not only individuals directly involved in youth psychological trauma support but also leading experts and researchers in the field of psychological counseling. The convergence of diverse perspectives and expertise is expected to foster innovative approaches and mark a significant turning point in the provision of youth welfare and comprehensive psychological support in South Korea. The outcomes of this symposium are expected to inform future policy and practice, further solidifying Chungcheongnam-do's role as a national leader in addressing the critical mental health needs of its youth.