児童福祉

• Reading: じどうふくし
• Romaji: jidō fukushi
• Kanji breakdown: 児 (ji) — child; 童 (dō) — child; 福 (fuku) — fortune, welfare; 祉 (shi) — welfare, blessing
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.doː.fɯ.kɯ.ɕi/

Meaning

Child welfare; the promotion of children's health, development, and protection by the state and society.

A compound noun forming the basis of Japan's 児童福祉法 (Child Welfare Act, 1947). It encompasses institutional care (養護施設), family support services, childcare provisions (保育所), and protection from abuse. 児童福祉司 (child welfare officer) and 児童相談所 (child guidance centres) are key institutional actors. The field intersects with poverty policy, disability services, and child abuse prevention.

Examples

1. 児童福祉の向上には国と自治体が連携して取り組む必要がある。 Improving child welfare requires coordinated efforts between the national and local governments.
2. 彼女は児童福祉の専門家として長年施設で子どもたちを支援してきた。 As a child welfare specialist, she has supported children at facilities for many years.
3. 児童福祉法は戦後まもなく制定され、その後も何度も改正されている。 The Child Welfare Act was enacted shortly after the war and has been revised numerous times since.

Usage Guide

Context: social welfare, law, education, government policy

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 児童 (jidō) meaning 'child' and 福祉 (fukushi) meaning 'welfare or well-being.' A post-war administrative compound that forms the basis of child protection legislation.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes