Suwon Expands 'School Commute Companion Care Service' for Lower-Grade Elementary Students City-wide

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Suwon Metropolitan City announced on the 22nd that it will expand the 'Suwon Saebit Care Elementary Lower-Grade School Commute Companion Care Service,' which had been operating as a pilot program in 10 districts, to all areas of Suwon from November 3 to December 24.

The city confirmed citizen satisfaction and safety through the pilot operation and decided to expand the elementary lower-grade companion care service to address parents' concerns following recent incidents of child luring attempts near elementary schools.

The 'companion care service' is a project supporting households facing difficulties with their children's school commute due to sudden care gaps. It targets households with elementary 1st-2nd grade children, including dual-income families and those with difficulty accessing existing care services.

Households with income below 150% of the median standard (9.146 million won for a 4-person household) receive up to 1 million won annually, while other households can use the service at their own expense. Applications are accepted for up to 30 days annually. The hourly rate is 16,900 won.

The expansion improves service convenience compared to the past. The scope of transportation support, previously centered on schools, has expanded to include care facilities and educational institutions, and the limit on daily usage frequency has been eliminated. Additionally, operating hours have been extended from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.

'Saebit caregivers' providing the service are composed of residents familiar with local conditions, including neighborhood chiefs, community welfare council members, and honorary social welfare civil servants residing in the respective district. Background checks and safety training have been conducted for service providers, and safety has been reinforced through enrollment in industrial accident insurance and professional liability insurance.

The city has completed consultation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the establishment of a new social security system, establishing an institutional foundation. The city plans to continue expanding related education on child traffic safety, emergency first aid, and personal information protection.

A city official stated, "We have established a system where the community cares together so that children can commute to school with peace of mind," and added, "We hope elementary school students grow up healthy as they safely travel to and from school."