Identification of issues and Future Improvement Strategies for Emergency Welfare Support Act for Ex-prisoners

Abstract

This study proposes alternatives for improving the delivery system of emergency welfare support for ex-prisoners, particularly suggesting ways to integrate the emergency support system with the rehabilitative welfare system. The aim is to propose alternatives for ex-prisoners' independence and recidivism prevention. Based on existing research data, this study explores the current status, trends, and operational issues of emergency welfare support. It identifies issues and key points of contention in emergency welfare support for ex-prisoners. Drawing from this analysis, the study aims to present policy alternatives and development strategies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the emergency welfare support system for ex-prisoners. The study results reveal a continuous and sharp increase in the number of cases and the amount of support provided through the emergency welfare support. Among these, the number of support cases for ex-prisoners has drastically risen from 1,135 cases in 2014 to 49,513 cases in 2020. Given the nature of the emergency support system, the entire process, from application-related investigations to decisions, disbursement management, and post-assessment, is carried out by dedicated personnel in a one-stop delivery system. This has led to burdens on frontline local government agencies due to heavy workloads and stresses from public complaints. Notably, many challenges have been raised concerning support for ex-prisoners. Consequently, this study aims to discuss integrated community services by proposing a delivery system and case management system linkage and improvement approach with the Korea Rehabilitation Agency responsible for ex-prisoners' recidivism prevention and social integration.