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Florence and the Yamamoto Masaki Policy Fund

The certified NPO Florence, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently been selected by the Policy Fund's Yamamoto Masaki Policy Fund. This fund, co-established by Yamamoto Masaki, CEO of kubell, and PoliPoli, aims to support leaders who proactively seek to create new policies through high-public-interest activities.

With this selection, Florence is set to rigorously advance its proposal activities aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational abuse.

Background to the Policy Proposals

Florence’s initiatives, including meal delivery services for children and special adoption programs, have been deeply intertwined with the voices of families it serves. Through these experiences, we've recognized that a considerable number of parents experienced abuse and inadequate caregiving during their own childhoods. This cycle of abuse often perpetuates, leading to an ongoing intergenerational chain of trauma.

Research indicates that individuals who have faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are statistically more likely to inflict neglect and abuse on their own children. In fact, ACE survivors are 1.8 to 2.0 times more likely to perpetrate such actions compared to those without a background of abuse. Likewise, they report significantly higher levels of parenting stress and a lack of available support.

Understanding the implications of intergenerational abuse is crucial. Evidence suggests that ACE survivors face numerous social challenges throughout their lives—ranging from mental health issues to social isolation—which can ultimately lead to their own children becoming victims of similar patterns.

The Iceberg Theory of Abuse

Although approximately 220,000 child abuse cases are reported each year, this figure represents only a fraction of the actual occurrences, with estimates suggesting millions more may go unnoticed. Many children remain in abusive environments, suffering without any intervention.

The impact of this silence is profound; children who grow up in abusive environments often struggle with mental and physical health issues as adults, risk social difficulties, and are at increasing odds of continuing the cycle of abuse with their own children. Therefore, it is imperative to not only address current incidents of abuse but also to prevent future occurrences, ultimately halting the intergenerational cycle of abuse.

Current Policy Proposal Package

To prevent the cycle of intergenerational abuse, we identify three core areas of focus:

1. Raise Awareness: It's vital for all parents to understand what constitutes abuse and its negative future implications. Thus, we propose comprehensive parenting classes that cover interactions with children, the difference between discipline and abuse, and accessible parenting support resources.

2. Connect Support: Many ACE survivor parents are unaware that their struggles may stem from past traumas. To bridge this gap, we suggest screening during prenatal check-ups to identify whom might require support and provide them with 24-hour online counseling services. It’s crucial to deliver messages that do not stigmatize but empower parents seeking help.

3. Expand Resources: Trauma care is essential for ACE survivors seeking healing. However, current reimbursement rates for trauma care are low, leading to limited access to trained providers. We advocate for increased funding for trauma care services, as well as introducing simple AI-driven care tools to reach wider audiences.

The operational improvement of the social care autonomy support project is also on the agenda to ensure that even ACE survivors who have never experienced social protection can receive help effectively.

Future Outlook

Addressing the cycle of intergenerational abuse is undoubtedly a daunting challenge for Florence. Nonetheless, ignoring the struggles of those who cannot speak out is not an option. We aim to spread awareness regarding this critical issue while narrowing our proposals through ongoing dialogues with related organizations and authorities.

This policy advocacy initiative, while demanding significant resources from non-profits, is made possible with the support of the Yamamoto Masaki Policy Fund. We plan to leverage this backing towards creating a society free from abuse.

About Florence, the Certified NPO

Founded in 2004, Florence is dedicated to changing Japan for the sake of children. It operates extensively in areas such as child welfare, poverty alleviation, and the prevention of child abuse through project development, policy advocacy, and cultural initiatives. Leveraging innovative approaches and fostering supportive environments for children, Florence continues to strive toward creating a society where all children are nurtured and protected, emphasizing new norms for the future.

For more information, visit the Florence official site.