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Busan Launches Independence Support Program for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning Today (2nd)

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will launch the Independence Support Program for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning starting today (June 2), aimed at supporting their social adaptation and economic participation.

○ The program is a collaborative effort among the city government, the Youth Foundation, and the Busan Social Service Agency (hereafter referred to as the “Busan SSA”), with a focus on establishing a systematic and sustainable support structure to help these young adults gain independence as members of society.

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This round of training will run from today (June 2) through July, over a two-month period with 20 sessions, targeting 20 young adults aged 18 to 39 who are diagnosed with borderline intellectual functioning. The training will cover basic life skills, vocational training, career counseling, and job exploration.

○ The program includes:

• ●Communication and workplace etiquette training

• ●Social adaptation education such as problem-solving and job exploration

• ●Training in the use of artificial intelligence (AI)

○ In particular, outstanding participants will be given the opportunity to gain actual job experience for about two months, helping them improve workplace adaptability and vocational skills.

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This initiative marks the first phase of the Independence Support Program for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning, which will be carried out in three phases and will target a total of 100 participants.

Applicants interested in participating can apply through the Busan SSA website (busan.pass.or.kr > Participation > Program Application), and further inquiries can be directed to the SSA representative in charge of borderline intellectual functioning programs (☎ 051-861-8874).

○ Currently, recruitment is underway through June 30 for the second round of training, which is scheduled to begin in July.

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Meanwhile, individuals with borderline intellectual functioning typically have an IQ between 71 and 84. While they do not qualify as intellectually disabled, they often face difficulties in social adaptation due to not meeting average intellectual benchmarks, necessitating social attention.

○ These individuals are often excluded from standard employment support systems or receive insufficient support, making it difficult for them to engage in independent economic activity. They are also at higher risk of isolation and withdrawal, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and proactive support.

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Jung Tae-gi, Director-General of Busan’s Social Welfare Bureau, stated, “We hope this independence training and job experience support will help young adults with borderline intellectual functioning become valued members of society,” adding, “The city will continue to provide ongoing and practical support to foster their independence and social participation.”

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Appendix 1. Program Overview

Direction of Promotion

• ●Establish a support system for individuals with borderline intellectual functioning who need social attention and encouragement, thereby contributing to a “Warm Welfare Community Together – Safe Busan.”

Phase 1: Independence Support Program for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning

• ●Objective: Improve social and economic participation of young adults with borderline intellectual functioning

• ●Period: June–July 2025 (2 months, 20 sessions)

• ●Target: 20 individuals aged 18–39
  ※ Outstanding participants will receive job experience support

• ●Details:

• ○2-month independence training (basic skills, vocational training, career counseling, workplace experience, and company visits)

• ○2-month job experience support (matching with companies and field experience)

• ○Training allowance provided during both training and job experience phases

Phase 2: Independence Support Program

• ●Period: July–August 2025 (planned)

• ●Target: 40 individuals aged 18–39

• ●Recruitment Period: May 12 – June 30, 2025

Application and Inquiries

• ●Busan SSA Website (Participation > Program Application)

• ●Borderline Intellectual Functioning Program Representative, Busan SSA (☎ 051-861-8874)