Health and Welfare Policy Forum 2024.1 No.327, pp.39-54
Abstract
Social service policies are aimed ultimately at people’s happiness and improved quality of life. As rapid societal changes unfold, the informal support system declines, and social risks expand and deepen, making the pursuit of a life worthy of human dignity increasingly challenging, there is a growing anticipation for relationship-based social services to take on a significant role. With the announcement in 2023 of its social services improvement directions and the 1st Basic Social Service Plan, the government has declared its resolve to materialize a close-knit, sustainable welfare state aimed at providing high-quality social services first to vulnerable groups, then gradually to whoever needs them. This article examines some of the announced plans, discusses how social service policies will play out in 2024, and makes policy suggestions for the improvement of social services.
