#Aichi Prefecture #Japan #Nagoya #Child Protection #KAKERU

Efficiency in Child Protection Services

In a significant advancement for child welfare, the Aichi Prefecture government has unveiled a groundbreaking system designed to streamline the process of finding temporary protection for children in crisis, known as the 'Child Temporary Protection Navi.' This innovative service, offered by the company MiraiC, located in Nagoya, is set to dramatically minimize the time spent searching for emergency placements, reducing wait times for vulnerable children in distress.

Background: The Need for Improved Systems

The current state of emergency child protection services has come under scrutiny due to lengthy wait times that leave children in perilous situations. When authorities identify a child at risk of abuse or neglect, they are required to take immediate action, which often means finding suitable temporary housing. Unfortunately, the lack of a real-time database to track the availability of temporary care facilities has led to reliance on a cumbersome phone-based process that significantly delays placements.

Children left waiting during these transitions endure not only anxiety but also potential psychological distress, making an urgent need for a more efficient solution paramount. MiraiC’s system aims to address these challenges, enhancing communication between child consultation centers and available facilities, effectively cutting down response times.

Implementation and Results

The 'Child Temporary Protection Navi' was initially tested in Aichi Prefecture after partnering with the Welfare Bureau's Child and Family Section. The project implemented a digital transformation (DX) initiative that included the KAKERU platform to facilitate quicker communication during off-hours.

The results were promising: the average time from initial inquiry to confirmed temporary placement reduced from 58 minutes to just 22 minutes. Moreover, the time taken for authorities to reach the child dropped from an average of 2 hours and 56 minutes to 1 hour and 57 minutes. An overwhelming 94% of the child consultation center staff reported that the new system helped reduce their workload, emphasizing its positive impact on operational efficiency.

With these proven results, the fully operational system is scheduled to launch on November 27, 2025, demonstrating a commitment to improving child welfare.

Cost Structure: Making the System Accessible

To ensure that various municipalities can implement this critical system, MiraiC has introduced a user-friendly pricing model. Initially, there are zero setup fees, and the first three months of service are complimentary. After this trial period, the monthly fee is set at 75,000 yen (approximately $685), which includes all necessary tools and support. The pricing breakdown highlights the inclusion of the LINE official account utilization fee and maintenance costs for the KAKERU system.

For local governments, adopting this system can be challenging due to budgetary constraints. Therefore, the opportunity to test it out at no upfront cost allows them to experience its effectiveness before considering a full commitment for subsequent fiscal years.

Moving Forward: Supporting Child Welfare

The launch of the 'Child Temporary Protection Navi' marks a pivotal shift in how emergency child protection services operate in Japan. By prioritizing immediate and efficient solutions, MiraiC is not only addressing operational challenges but also ensuring that children receive the care they need as swiftly as possible.

This initiative invites all stakeholders invested in child welfare reform to consider leveraging this innovative system, aimed at safeguarding the well-being of children across the nation. MiraiC’s commitment to adapting to community needs and providing robust support further solidifies its role as a leader in this essential sector. Visit KAKERU's official page for more information and join the effort to revolutionize child protection services in Japan.