Development of Methods to Support Children's Expression of Opinions in Child Guidance Centers-through independent advocates-

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K13725
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 08020:Social welfare-related
• Research Institution: Oita University
• Principal Investigator: Eidome Satomi 大分大学, 福祉健康科学部, 講師 (60708949)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: アドボケイト / 一時保護所 / 意見表明等支援事業 / アドボカシー / 権利擁護

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to clarify how independent advocates can make visit better for children living in temporary shelters.
The author conducted interviews and questionnaires with children and staff using independent advocates who made regular visits to Temporary Protection Offices in Child Guidance Centres A.The advocates were evaluated as [keeping secrets], [being aware of their feelings] and [being able to talk about things I don't like] through rights awareness, [making time for play and listening], [being kind], [listening], [telling], and so on. The visit [time was short] and [Calling each person in for an interview] was mentioned as they were not able to talk because they were concerned about their surroundings. Many children spoke of being happy that their wishes were accepted and that their wishes were realised, suggesting the importance of opinion realisation support and the response of the Child Guidance Centre.

Free Research Field

アドボケイト

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

当初、日本ではほとんど行われていなかった一時保護所による独立アドボケイトの訪問活動であったため、本研究は他の自治体の参考資料として活用された。今年度（2024年度）からこの事業が児童福祉法上の努力義務となったため、本研究の成果が活かされるものと考える。勿論、実施したアドボケイト団体の力によって全国に広がったところが大きいが、それがどのようなインパクトだったのかをアンケートやインタビューで明らかにできたのは意義があった。その後、本研究をベースに５つの児童相談所で同じように調査を行うことができ、比較検討を行い、より良いアドボケイトの実施方法や意見表明方法の開発に寄与できたのではないかと考える。