The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the structural limitations of the current system, focusing on the vocational rehabilitation system for persons with mental disabilities, and to explore institutional improvement measures that can effe...
The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the structural limitations of the current system, focusing on the vocational rehabilitation system for persons with mental disabilities, and to explore institutional improvement measures that can effectively support their recovery and social integration. To this end, this study focuses on the fact that vocational rehabilitation for persons with mental disabilities operates within a dual legal and institutional framework comprising the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Mental Health Welfare Act. It examines the problems this duality causes across the entire spectrum of beneficiary selection, benefit provision, delivery system operation, and financial structure. Qualitative research methods were applied to gain an in-depth understanding of the vocational rehabilitation field for persons with mental disabilities. Focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews were conducted with six practitioners with over five years of experience in vocational rehabilitation for persons with mental disabilities at mental health welfare centers, mental rehabilitation facilities, vocational rehabilitation facilities for persons with disabilities, and welfare centers for persons with disabilities. The collected data underwent repeated comparative analysis and a categorization process to derive the results. The research findings are as follows.
First, in terms of the target system, the main targets of vocational rehabilitation services are divided into 'mentally ill' and 'registered disabled', which does not sufficiently reflect the needs and skill levels of the mentally disabled. In addition, people with mental disabilities who have not registered for disability and those with mental disabilities who are still in the early stages of recovery are excluded from vocational rehabilitation services.
Second, in terms of the salary system, vocational rehabilitation services for the mentally disabled are operated mainly in protective workplaces, individual customized vocational rehabilitation services are not provided considering the characteristics of the mentally disabled, and support for post-employment management and employment maintenance is insufficient, making it difficult to maintain and recover continuous employment.
Third, in terms of the delivery system, the connection between mental health services and employment and welfare services was insufficient, so the provision of continuous services leading to treatment and rehabilitation was insufficient. In addition, it was found that the quality of services was severely deviating due to the lack of vocational rehabilitation professionals and excessive administrative work.
Fourth, in terms of the financial system, the proportion of state funds is low and the service gap between regions is widening due to the subsidy-oriented financial structure, and the short-term performance-oriented evaluation system is limiting the realization of recovery-oriented vocational rehabilitation.
Based on the above research results, this study revealed that the vocational rehabilitation system for the mentally disabled is due to structural and institutional limitations beyond individual problems, established an integrated system between laws and institutions as a future policy task, re-established the target standard reflecting the characteristics of mental disability, developed a recovery-oriented and personalized vocational rehabilitation program, strengthened the delivery system linking treatment, rehabilitation, and employment, and suggested the necessity of establishing a stable and sustainable financial support system.