As the global trend in residential services for the disabled and the recent domestic residential services for the disabled become a major issue, this research investigated user satisfaction in relation to Group-Homes, small-scale facilities practicing...
As the global trend in residential services for the disabled and the recent domestic residential services for the disabled become a major issue, this research investigated user satisfaction in relation to Group-Homes, small-scale facilities practicing normalization and deinstitutionalization. Problems were likewise identified to present more active development plans.
Under the local community’s social responsibility to protect the disabled, Group-Homes meet the diverse needs of the disabled, provide rehabilitation training and offer a pathway for them to participate in society.
Group-Home has increased to more than about 130 locations since 1992, but because of uniform policy and operation, qualitative development has been limited to meeting the user's various needs. Recently, the social model transition of the disabled emphasizes the importance of the environment and simultaneously highlights self-decision and choice concerning the appropriate environment. Long-term residents (7-13 years) hope to live in the Group-Home as if they are living in a local community transcending education and training. Residents hope for the guarantee of self control and private life, and they do not want programs inside the Group-Home. Residents who are capable of supporting themselves prefer living with some degree of independence. Long-term residents want to play an important role, without being tied to a specific program.
Group-Home appeared in West Europe and the United States in the mid-20th century based on general welfare ideas, normalization and deinstitutionalization. In the 1950s, residential facilities for the disabled were large-scale facilities performing the functions of protection and accommodation. But because of the side effects of the previous facilities, the change was made as an integrated residential local community.
Group-Home refers to "a small residential facility of a local community that enables the disabled to live in the home and to live with dignity in the society, providing the services and supports necessary for independent living. In other words, it is the fundamental purpose of Group-Homes to enable the disabled to live with independence through daily life activities and co-operation program.
In Korea, Group-Home started in the private sector in the early 1980s. Currently about 250 homes are operating under government support. According to the future welfare policy of the central government and the handover to the local government on January 1, 2005, Group-Home is expected to increase in magnitude nationwide with the various welfare needs of local communities.
This research surveyed the management and operation of 131 Group-Homes supported by Seoul and the corresponding user satisfaction levels to determine the problems and present proposals on ways to develop and activate Group-Homes.
First, as the IL paradigm is related with social welfare ideals in general, it is time to consider the revision of relevant laws. Group-Home is a facility that allows the disabled to realize self-reliance and social integration within the community. The author believes that Group-Home needs to become more systematic and active in promoting more independent living for the disabled.
Secondly, the Group-Home “management and operation staff arrangement standard” is needed to establish various type of homes. The central government should differentiate the residence period and programs, classify the purpose as training or residence, and consider the current system related to financial support to the Group-Home's establishment and operation. In addition, the discussion between supply subject and operation subject should be carried out with detailed principles and standards.
Finally, ensuring appropriate working conditions and wage systems for Group-Home employees prevents rehabilitation teachers from moving on to other jobs and minimizes effects on the residents. Particularly, specialized training for workers through Group-Home centers should be carried out to facilitate effective Group-Home operation and accomplish welfare policies.