[Info. File] “Child-Centered Action Plan 2024”

The Agency for Children and Families decides on the "Children in the Center Action Plan 2024"

On May 31, 2024, the government adopted the "Children in the Center Action Plan 2024." Based on the basic policy of the Children's Principles (decided by the Cabinet in December 2023), the plan outlines the measures to be implemented in the future as follows:

Source: Compiled by the author

1. "Society-wide sharing of the idea that children and young people are rights holders" -
To ensure that the entire society shares basic principles such as ensuring the life, survival, and development of all children, considering their best interests, and allowing children to express their opinions freely and ensuring that adults fully consider them, the government will work to promote awareness of the Basic Act on Children and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Specifically, the government will create pamphlets and videos, and conduct on-site lectures. It will

also promote human rights education in schools and publicize the efforts and case studies of relief organizations in cases of rights violations.

2. "Creating diverse play, experiences, and opportunities for success" -
The government will promote experiential activities for children and young people.

Based on the "First 100 Months of Development Vision" (the period from pregnancy to approximately first grade of elementary school is crucial), approved by the Cabinet in December 2023, the government will ensure rich play and experiences during infancy and promote high-quality early childhood education and care to promote healthy physical and mental development. In addition, we will work with relevant ministries and agencies to develop and promote play programs for use in children's centers and other facilities, as well as promote experiences in agricultural and fishing villages and overnight stays.

Furthermore, we will provide opportunities to experience culture and the arts, enhance arts education, and promote reading activities. We will also promote the establishment of lifestyle habits such as the "Early to Bed, Early to Rise, and Eat Breakfast" national campaign and the "Healthy Parents

and Children 21" initiative. Furthermore, under the "Child-Centered City Development" initiative, we will promote the creation of local spaces

for children, opportunities for parent interaction, and the improvement of park environments. "Creating Opportunities for Children and Young People" primarily focuses on education. These initiatives include strengthening understanding of domestic and foreign cultures, international understanding education, and foreign language education, as well as promoting support for international students. Furthermore, we will enhance science and mathematics education, entrepreneurship education, and education for foreign children and young people.

Meanwhile, we will also enhance education that promotes gender equality, address sexual minority children and young people, and raise awareness among teachers.

③ "Providing seamless health and medical care to children and young people":
Promoting accurate knowledge about sex and health, providing consultation systems tailored to life stages such as adolescence, pregnancy, and childbirth, and continuously implementing training for sexuality education experts.

④ "Countermeasures against child poverty":
Providing educational support for children from single-parent families and low-income families, assistance with compulsory education, and academic support for high school students. It also aims to support parents' employment and establish support systems in the community.

⑤ "Support for children with disabilities and children receiving medical care":
Strengthening community support systems, enhancing family support, and working to realize an inclusive education system to enhance the learning experiences of children and young people with disabilities.

⑥ "Preventing child abuse, promoting social welfare, and supporting young carers":
Promoting the development of child and family centers that provide integrated consultation and support for maternal and child health and child welfare, while promoting family support projects to prevent child abuse.

In addition, the government will formulate operating standards for temporary shelters to improve their environments and develop shelters for children and young people isolated by abuse and other factors. It will also support prefectures that provide support for rebuilding parent-child relationships. At the same time, it will support the recruitment and development of child and family social workers and other personnel involved in child and family welfare. It will also identify the current situation and establish a support system for young carers.

7. "Suicide Prevention for Children and Young People, Efforts to Protect Children and Young People from Crime, etc."
Based on a countermeasure plan in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, it will collect and analyze information on child suicides and provide suicide prevention education, including training on how to send out an SOS. It will also provide one device per person to monitor mental and physical conditions and provide counseling. It will

also create an environment where children can use the internet safely and with peace of mind, promote measures to prevent sexual abuse of children, and promote human rights awareness activities regarding online human rights violations. Furthermore, it will promote "life safety education" to prevent children from becoming perpetrators, victims, or bystanders of sexual violence.

These
action plans are revised every June by the Child and Family Council, which reviews and evaluates the implementation status and indicators of policies. The Children's Guidelines will also be reviewed in approximately five years' time, taking into account the implementation status and effects of the plans.

(Published with additions and revisions in the August 2024 issue of "EN-ICHI FORUM")

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