This paper aimed to clarify the role of the application of phenomenology in social work research thorough investigating the issues discussed in previous studies. Although phenomenology is now one of the major qualitative methods used in healthcare research (Shin, 2009), its application in social work has been limited compared to nursing or psychology (Padgett, 2016). As a result of the review, phenomenological research within the social work field has been performed primarily within the following four themes: 1) enlightening the meanings of vulnerable people’s lived experiences, 2) the structure of conflictive experiences and efforts in interprofessional practice and social networking, 3) examination of essential schemes on social work education and profession, 4) theoretical discussion bridging social work and phenomenology. It was considered that the role of phenomenology enabled social workers to gain awareness of existential understanding of vulnerable or marginalized people. The research also suggested ways in which the renewed understanding by social workers could be beneficial to the clients by sharing with other professionals in a team practice to advocate clients’ human rights. Phenomenology could be applied to social work research to build a consensus among professionals and the community in order to facilitate better achieve social inclusion.

In Japan, “after school day services” (ASDS) are expected to serve as supporting leisure activities for children with intellectual disabilities. In recent years, the number of ASDS has been increasing rapidly, but their quality has been declining. In addition, the needs of parents have been poorly organized. In this study, we surveyed the parents of children who use ASDS to research: (1) how they use the services, (2) their evaluation of the service content, and (3) what they consider important when selecting a service agent. The results indicated that, on average, children with intellectual disabilities used ASDS three to four days a week. In addition, the content and evaluation of these services differ depending on the degree of disability and grade level. However, suggestions are that many parents commonly seek a place where their children can grow. Therefore, they select an agent by placing importance on the professionalism and humanity of the staff. In the future, it will be necessary to establish a framework for sharing and organizing support services available in multiple agents.

This study identified the factors leading to children assuming caring roles (i.e., being or becoming young carers) by using the results of two questionnaire surveys conducted among prefectural high school students in Osaka and Saitama prefectures, Japan (n =5,133 and 3,850, respectively). Accordingly, 265 (5.2%) and 202 (5.2%) high school students were identified as young carers in Osaka and Saitama, respectively. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was applied to the percentage of young carers, and factors such as family type and economic status were included as explanatory variables. The following two analyses were performed: using all students (Analysis 1) and using only those with family members who had disabilities, illnesses, or other special needs (n =645 and 530, respectively; Analysis 2). Analysis 1 revealed that living with grandparents and a lack of economic resources were significantly correlated with a higher percentage of young carers. Analysis 2 indicated that living with grandparents, a lack of economic resources, and the care and support needs of family members (mother in particular) were significantly associated with a higher percentage of young carers. These results should be considered in promoting the identification of and support for young carers in Japan.

This study aimed to clarify the process of day-to-day management undertaken by social workers as hospital managers, and to identify challenges they face in management in addition to their uniqueness as managers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 social workers, who worked as directors with subordinates in hospitals operated by specific public organizations, and the obtained data were analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. The results revealed a process in which social workers in hospitals attempt to overcome difficulties using their skills and resources in order to manage their organization efficiently, based on their authority as a manager. They were also found to seek advice from other social workers, managers, and former supervisors at the hospital, and professionals outside the hospital in order to overcome the difficulties they face in management. These approaches may be unique to their profession, adapting the ambiguity of responsibilities and roles of social workers in hospitals in management. However, the survey also revealed issues, such as a lack of opportunities to learn about management and limited access to resources to advance.

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of urban middle-aged and older adults living alone by typology. The participants were 1,524 randomly selected residents (50‒79 years old) living alone in the ward A in Tokyo who responded to a mail survey. A latent class analysis based on the respondents’ problems in physical and mental health status, financial status, and social relationships identified four distinct groups: “accumulated problems” (5%; severe problems in all aspects), “moderate problems” (25%; few physical health problems but the second worst degree of social relationships after the “accumulated problems” group), “health problems” (19%), and “minimal problems” (51%; low percentage of problems in all aspects). Compared with the “minimal problems” group, the other three groups, especially the “accumulated problems” group, were more likely to be male, distrust others in help-seeking, and have fewer sources of information about the local community. In addition, the “moderate problems” group typically included middle-aged adults (age 50‒64 years), those who had never been married, and non-regular employees. The implications of these findings were discussed regarding the need for professional outreach to the “accumulated problems” group and the development of programs that fit the characteristics of the “moderate problems” group.

This study analyzed the working conditions of social workers in facilities that provide insured long-term care services. Specifically, we examined the welfare-related activities of social workers in a capitalist society. We conducted a questionnaire survey of social workers in facilities and offices that provide long-term care insurance services. A factor analysis was performed on their perceptions of their work. The following factors were extracted: Factor 1, social usefulness perceived in the job : Factor 2, right to self-control in the job : and Factor 3, authority in the job . When the three-factor score means were compared by the social workers’ occupations and affiliations, the social workers responsible for care manager duties at home care support offices scored the lowest for Factors 1 and 2. The social workers who were counselors at community comprehensive support centers scored the lowest for Factor 3. Thus, the study results suggest that social workers are also affected by a “worker nature” promoting a working style that prioritizes profit growth in a capitalist society where marketization has expanded.

This study aims to clarify actual conditions and issues of consultation support methods for sexual violence victims with disabilities. A questionnaire survey on the one-stop centers for victims of sex crime and sexual assault was conducted. Based on the questionnaire survey, approximately 80% of the centers across Japan have experienced supporting sexual violence victims with disabilities. The onestop centers have offered a variety of support activities, including understanding and consideration of their disabilities. However, there are several issues when offering support: confirming the victim’s needs, supporting the victim based on a thorough understanding of their conditions, establishing a support network, providing accessibility to the consultation support, and accumulating and analyzing all information on sexual violence victims with disabilities.