Social Work?

I was wondring about the social work sector is in Japan? How are Japanese social workers trained and how is the laws with regards to child protection and family support? I was surprised to find out that there are social workers in Japan, I just did not think that existed (sry, my own predjudice). Any info is welcome

when I taught English, one of my students was a social worker (mostly dealing with the homeless, I believe). I'm afraid that all I know is they do exist.

Two very different questions. As for the second one, try starting here.
www.tokyowithkids.com
Use the discussions or FYI links to steer you to the right sections.

As for the first question, friend of mine had a J girlfriend who was a social worker. Pretty dreary job. I think her "training" amounted to having a BA degree, then getting trained/experienced in whatever sector she was in, on the job. Ex. nursing home work meant changing bedpans.

Glenski said:

Two very different questions. As for the second one, try starting here.
www.tokyowithkids.com
Use the discussions or FYI links to steer you to the right sections.

As for the first question, friend of mine had a J girlfriend who was a social worker. Pretty dreary job. I think her "training" amounted to having a BA degree, then getting trained/experienced in whatever sector she was in, on the job. Ex. nursing home work meant changing bedpans.

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Thx for the tip Ill have a look. With regards to changing bedpans and stuff, maybe you are thinking Social Care? That is very different to Social Work. Social Workers do assessment in child and adult cases, its mostly paper work sitting in a office or working in treatment with regards to helping children with behavioural problems or teaching parenting skills to parents and so on. Its very varied depedning on what area you work in.

With regards to children it often includes child protection, for example removing children from a negative or dangerous home enviornment with abuse parents. This often includes working with Police and having intense interviews with children and parents. Often followed by doing court reports and presenting cases in court working closly with solicitors.

Clinical social workers also work with mentally sick children and adults, doing for example risk assessments before people are let out of institutions, working with pshychologists and counsellors.

Its not unusual for people to mix up social work and social care.

My friend did both social work and social care as you define them. Perhaps there is no difference in Japan. I really don't know.

Glenski said:

My friend did both social work and social care as you define them. Perhaps there is no difference in Japan. I really don't know.

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Hmm yeah I dont know either

It seems strange to have a combination of that though. Besides why would one need to do do 3-4 years of university study to change bedpans? Most social care staff in most countris I know have no higher education, there is simply no need for it in that role, since its menial, manaul labour.

I do think the Social Work degree is BA and MA in Japan though, in USA and Europe its Bsc and Msc. In many states in USA I think you need minimum Msc which means 5 years study to practice as a Social Worker. In Europe it differes from 3-4 years university traning to be able to practice professionally.

Anywas lets hope someone knows more about the Japanese situation It would be fun to know about South Korea also. I think in general in both countries it is a low status profession ni many ways.