This paper aims to establish a current definition of the concept of “yogo” (養護), and clarify that the meaning of the term has changed considerably since the enactment of the Child Welfare Law. To achieve this end, a literature review was conducted, and the use of the concept “yogo” in relation to the concept of “yoiku” (養育) was analyzed. The literature review found that during the period soon following the enactment of the Child Welfare Law, the concept of “yogo” referred specifically to caring for children in children’s homes. But soon thereafter, “yogo” was used to include child rearing performed by parents as well. However, when the term “shakaiteki yogo” (社会的養護) became officially recognized and used, the concept of “yogo” was used more restrictively relative to the concept of “yoiku,” and currently the meaning does not include child rearing by parents.

This research found that the change in the underlining meaning of the concept of “yogo” reflects a change in child welfare policy. Currently concepts of “yogo” and “yoiku” are used differently depending upon both the “place” and “provider” of the act of child care. The concept of “yogo” includes both a purpose and practice dimension in its meaning. Differentiating between “yogo” and “yoiku” serves the purpose of raising awareness concerning “yogo” policy, but at the same time provides the impression that it is fundamentally different than child rearing performed by parents.

This study investigated the characteristics of the day care nursery environment where the interactions between the child care worker (care worker) and children function effectively. Specifically, the influence of care worker fatigue on their perception of children’s emotional states, and the relationship between care giver fatigue and group size was examined.

We conducted a survey of licensed day care nurseries, targeting care workers in charge of classes for infants, one year olds, and two year olds, and received responses from 7,290 care workers. Analysis of the results showed that while caring for children, care worker fatigue affected their precise and timely discernment of children’s emotional states. Furthermore, the results suggested that larger group size caused greater care worker fatigue and contributed to a more collective perception of the emotional states of children. Given these results, we recommended the following with regard to desirable group size for children in care: 7–9 children for groups with infants or children under one (three or more care workers); 6–12 children for groups with one year olds (two or more care workers); and 7–12 children for groups with two year olds (two or more care workers). We also stressed that group size should be determined, not only by care worker-child ratio, but should also take into account group functioning (group dynamics) as well.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to clarify factors influencing the implementation of the “Visiting All Families with Infants Project.” A nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted targeting the project’s administrative staff located in 1,742 city and local governments, with the objective to clarify, 1) the constituent factors through exploratory factor analysis, and 2) factors influencing project advancement and program satisfaction using multiple linear regression analysis.

As a result of the factor analysis, four factors were identified: factor 1, the “assessment and intervention framework” (α=.873); factor 2, “collaboration with other agencies/departments” (α=.859); factor 3, “visiting procedures and skills” (α=.736); and factor 4, “cultivating and training human resources” (α=.831). Statistically significant models were identified through multiple linear regression analysis. All factors, with the exception of factor 4, were significantly influential with regard to “project advancement,” and all factors were significantly influential with respect to “program satisfaction.” Factor 3 was found to be the most statistically significant factor. More detailed analyses regarding respondent differences and differences in city and local government attributes are called for in order to clarify issues relevant to program implementation.