#Japan #Child Development #Maternal Health #Sapporo #Healthy Families

Applications for the 2023 Ministerial Awards for Healthy Families

The application period for the 2023 Ministerial Awards for Healthy Families, also known as the "Healthy Families Awards," has officially begun. This initiative, led by the Child and Family Agency of Japan, aims to promote a society where all children can grow up healthy, supported by a variety of stakeholders, including medical institutions, government bodies, local communities, schools, businesses, and NGOs.

About the Healthy Families Initiative

Japan's Child and Family Agency is dedicated to the principles outlined in the Child Development Basic Act, which emphasizes the seamless provision of necessary child-rearing medical services and support for caregivers and expecting mothers. This national campaign, "Healthy Families 21," seeks to recognize communities, organizations, and companies that contribute significantly to the mental and physical well-being of children during their development stages as well as the health maintenance and enhancement of pregnant women.

This year, we are inviting applications from local government entities, organizations, and businesses that have implemented pioneering measures to support these objectives. We encourage submissions highlighting innovative community activities and creative approaches to bolster child-rearing.

Award Categories

The award is structured to recognize outstanding initiatives across three main categories:
1. Municipal Category: Includes broad and basic local government bodies such as prefectures and municipalities.
2. Organization Category: Comprises associations, social welfare organizations, medical institutions, clinics, schools, universities, individual entrepreneurs, and those outside of the municipal and corporate definitions.
3. Corporate Category: For businesses structured as legal entities (e.g., corporations, limited companies, partnerships).

Types of Awards

The Healthy Families Awards will be presented in the following divisions:

• - Grand Prize (1 award)
• - Outstanding Award: one each for the Municipal Category, Organization Category, and Corporate Category.

Application Period

The application window is open from July 10 to August 4, 2023, with submissions accepted until 11:59 PM on August 4.

How to Apply

Interested parties should visit the official Healthy Families 21 website and navigate to the special page for the 2023 Ministerial Awards to submit their applications. Applicants are required to download the application form corresponding to the appropriate category and submit it via email during the application period. Please note that submissions will primarily be accepted through email only.

2023 Healthy Families Awards Special Page

Selection Process

The selection process involves an evaluation by the Healthy Families 21 Promotion Headquarters' executive council, which will ultimately make recommendations to the Minister of State for Child Policy. The assessment criteria include:

• - Commitment to contributing to the healthy development of children and the health of mothers, in line with the Child Development Basic Policy.
• - Innovation and originality of the initiatives.
• - Potential for promoting best practices widely in the future.
• - Commitment to sustaining these efforts long-term.
• - Other evaluation factors may include:

- Continuation of the initiative over the years.
- Receipt of public funding or grants from government bodies.

Award Ceremony

The awards will be presented during the Healthy Families 21 National Conference, scheduled for November 5, 2023, in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

For any inquiries regarding submissions or applications, please contact the Healthy Families 21 Secretariat at: [email protected].