Child Welfare Act (Jidō Fukushi Hō)
The Child Welfare Act (Jidō Fukushi Hō) establishes the framework for child welfare and protection in Japan. Enacted in 1947, the Act defines the rights of children, the duties of parents, and the obligations of the government to ensure the welfare of children. The Act establishes child welfare councils, child welfare institutions, and procedures for child protection. It also regulates child adoption and guardianship.
Legal area: Law governing the welfare, protection, and rights of children.
Year enacted: 1947
Full text: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=japan-child-welfare-act
Key Provisions
- Chapter I: General provisions (rights and duties regarding children)
- Chapter II: Welfare of children requiring protection
- Chapter III: Child welfare institutions (types and operation)
- Chapter IV: Adoption and guardianship
- Chapter V: Penalties
- Article 1: Purpose (respecting children’s dignity and ensuring their welfare)
Significance
The Child Welfare Act provides the legal foundation for child protection in Japan. The Act has been amended to address issues including child abuse, which has been increasing. Japan’s child welfare system faces challenges including insufficient foster care capacity and the over-reliance on institutional care. The Act’s provisions on child consultation centres have been strengthened to improve early detection and intervention. Japan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994, and the Act has been progressively amended to reflect its principles.