Social care for abused children

Abstract

Despite the fact that child abuse counseling at child guidance centers is on the rise, less than 10% of children are separated from their parents and placed in social care, while the rest live at home without adequate support. Not just early identification and intervention but also preventative challenges such as family support throughout the early stages of separation and children's social care following separation need to be identified and resolved. In Japan, children's social care services are characterized by a low rate of out-of-home placement and a high rate of institutional care. Over 40% of the looked-after children have experienced abuse, with neglect being the most prevalent. Therefore, it is necessary to address the abuse of children placed in social care. What is expected of children's social care is demonstrated by the voices of those who have experienced it. The child's rights and the principle of prioritizing family-based care, as articulated in the 2016 amendments to the Child Welfare Law, as well as the specific goals outlined in the new 2017 Children's Social Care Vision, respond to these voices. The most critical aspect of dealing with abused children is ensuring they have a safe and secure place to live. However, this goal has not yet been fully realized. According to the children's social care promotion plan formulated by the prefectural governments, care for abused children from their parents will transition from institutional to family-based care. A system based on team care by foster caregivers and fostering agencies is being developed. In addition, permanency must be ensured through preventive measures, family reunification, and adoption, all of which are being pursued. Fostering agencies are expected to contribute to the establishment of children's social care systems by preventive measures, such as utilizing short-stay foster care and considering the future of children's social care from the perspectives of prevention and permanency. It is necessary to ensure continuous support for abused children in order for them to become self-sufficient, regardless of whether the child has been placed in social care or not. If a linkage between “research,” “practice,” and “measures” is promoted toward the establishment of a new children's social care system and increased awareness among those who work with children in need of social support as “corporate parents,” it is believed that a society free of child abuse can be realized.