Supporting Young Care Leavers: New Donation Initiative Launched in Itabashi Ward

Itabashi Ward has taken a significant step forward in supporting young individuals who have grown up in child welfare facilities or are under the care of foster parents. The district has initiated a crowdfunding project titled the "Care Leaver Support Project" to provide financial assistance and emotional support to these young adults transitioning to independent living. This initiative is launched under the framework of hometown tax donations and marks the beginning of a new phase for the project, with donations officially accepted from October 16, 2025, through the crowdfunding platforms "Furusato Choice GCF" and "Sato Furu."

Many of these young individuals, also known as "Care Leavers," face numerous challenges, including a lack of supportive adults in their lives due to various circumstances, such as parental absence or abuse. Under Japanese child welfare laws, placements in children’s homes generally end when they turn 18, at which point they are expected to become self-sufficient. However, the reality is often quite challenging — many find it difficult to manage daily living while also considering further education or continuing their studies.

Recognizing these challenges, Itabashi Ward started to implement support systems for care leavers in 2019. In collaboration with staff from child welfare facilities in Tokyo, the district has been addressing these youngsters' needs and issues while working on various support initiatives that help pave the way for their future independence.

The funding collected in previous years has been instrumental in sustaining the support services. For instance, the 2024 crowdfunding campaign was successfully revamped into the Care Leaver Support Project, raising approximately 6,737,327 yen, which aided 55 care leavers throughout the year.

The funds raised from the new crowdfunding effort will be directed towards providing significant economic assistance for necessities like preparing for independent living, covering rent, and medical expenses. Additionally, the project will facilitate “anytime consultation support” via LINE and email, as well as organize youth salons where care leavers can connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges.

Donation Overview

The donation campaign details are as follows:
1. Campaign Period: October 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026 (90 days)
2. Donation Channels: Individual donations can be made through the Furusato Choice GCF site, Sato Furu cloud funding site, or in person at the Itabashi Ward reform promotion division.
3. Goal: The target amount is set at 20 million yen, with donations continuing beyond the goal.
4. Gifts For Donors: Return gifts are available for those donating through the specified channels.

Voices from Supported Care Leavers

A young woman in her twenties who grew up in a children's home shared her experiences: "Many of us carry more burdens than our peers. Finding whom to trust can be difficult, leading to emotional isolation. However, Itabashi Ward provides a warm and welcoming support system that allows us to be ourselves without judgment. Gradually, as we connect with more individuals and share our emotions, we gain the confidence to take new steps in life. I am grateful to the supportive staff and the community for standing by us in our journey."

Similarly, a young man in his twenties expressed his thoughts about the program: "Having activities outside of work and connecting with people brings me joy. I truly appreciate the support from our donors, including companies that contribute. It’s an incredible gift that we are given."

This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of Itabashi Ward to foster a supportive environment for young care leavers, ensuring they have the necessary resources and community to thrive as they navigate their transition into adulthood.