복지사각지대 해소 방안으로서의 사례관리 활성화를 위한 법⋅제도적 과제

Abstract

The reduction of blind spots has become a central concern of the welfare sector to improve the quality of the socially vulnerable class (the lower income class) and to strength the social safety net. In terms of the cause of blind spots, it could be assumed that the terms are categorized in four types; blind spots caused by extremely strict means test, the omission of an application, fragmentary benefit system and mismanaged the target group in social assistance programs. Case management, applicable in the social welfare sector, is regarded as a practical method to remove blind spots, mainly focusing on discovering the socially vulnerable class, and to coordinate available social resources for the target group. Case management is a complex and multi-faceted concept. At one level, it can be a sophisticated tool to discover the demanders and their needs. At another, it can be a managerial tool to set up service plans and to manage welfare resources effectively. In order to remove blind spots continuously, this paper would suggest that case management should become a common managerial practice in the welfare delivery system. It is important for case management to coordinate a number of separate case management services and to define legal basis for providing case management services in local government. To be effective, another key challenge for case management is to prepare the legal basis for using information and data.