On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2011.10.24(Mon)/19:50～

                A Message from Egao-kan-The Childcare Consultation Center

Child abuse is a serious problem in today’s society. Physical and emotional abuse from parents or guardians who are suppose to be caring for children causes severe damage to the healthy development and character of children.

The Fukuoka City Childcare Consultation Center, Egao-kan, located on the east side of Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome, responds to reports of suspected child abuse, and checks for and secures a safe environment for any child or children reported. In response to the increasing number of reports, additional child specialists have been added to the team, including child welfare counselors and child psychologists, as well as specialist lawyers. They are doing all they can to put an end to child abuse.

The Center assists not only with child abuse issues, but also provides 24 telephone assistance, offered by specialists, to help with concerns of domestic violence, truancy, bullying, and other misconduct, in addition to providing general childcare counseling. When you feel like you have “had it” with child rearing, there is no need to worry about your concerns by yourself. Call Egao-kan!

The telephone number for Egao-kan is 092-833-3000.

All calls and support is absolutely confidential, so please feel at ease to share your concerns.

                                       Open School Week

Under the catch phrase, “234 schools, 234 brilliant colors,” Fukuoka City is opening all of its 234 public kindergartens, elementary schools, junior and senior high schools, and special support service schools to visitors. The event is meant to raise awareness and support for taking care of and raising our school children together; at school, in the home and in our neighborhoods.

Again this year, classes and school events will be opened to the public, parent-child recreation activities will be available, and human rights studies will be offered at each school. In addition, each school will hold an introduction information session. There are lots of other events planned as well!

Parents and those providing care for children in elementary and middle school are, of course, more than welcomed to come! Also, those expecting to have children in school soon, or those who just live in the area and want to see, drop in and check it out!

In principle, there is no pre-registration done, however, for a smooth program, those who wish to participate are asked to wear name tags and to sign attendance books where available. Open School Week is from the 1^st through the 7th Of November. But the schedules at each institution do vary, so please be sure to check with the individual school you are interested in visiting for more information.

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