Since the change in government in 2009, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan has implemented legislation for improving the child-rearing situation in line with the opinions of the people. Here are some of the DPJ’s achievements.

[Implemented the new child allowance system]

The DPJ widened the range of qualified recipients, which used to be limited only to students in elementary school, to include students in junior high school. The DPJ Government has also increased the amount of benefit receivable. Under the new system, recipients are eligible to receive 5,000 yen or 10,000 yen more (depending on the child’s age) than under the former child allowance system. The DPJ’s reforms are aimed at providing support for all children, including those living in foster care.

[Improved financial assistance for prenatal examinations and fertility treatment]

In order to improve maternal care and lighten the economic burden on pregnant women, the DPJ decided to continue to provide financial assistance to them to receive the necessary number of health checks. Financial aids for fertility treatment have also been enhanced.

[Increased the lump-sum allowance for childbirth and nursing]

Since childbirth is not covered under normal insurance, parents have to bear a large economic burden to give birth to a child. A lump-sum allowance for childbirth and nursing provides some help with the situation. The DPJ Government increased the allowance amount from 380,000 yen to 420,000 yen and has continued to provide the raised amount.

[Contributed to eliminating the waiting lists for childcare facilities]

In accordance with a measure approved by the Cabinet in January 2010, just after the DPJ came to power, the Government has worked hard to prepare places for 2.46 million children to receive the necessary childcare services by 2014. The DPJ Government has increased the quota for the number of recipients of childcare services to about 30,000 in fiscal 2010, and about 50,000 in fiscal 2011. In order to eliminate the waiting lists for childcare services, the DPJ have made efforts to expand the number of childcare facilities, such as nurseries or small-scale, NPO-run childcare centers in volunteers’ homes . In addition, the Government successfully enacted three more proposals related to children and childcare support in August 2012.

[Restored additional assistance for single mothers]

Just after the change of government in December 2009, the DPJ restored additional allowances for single mothers that were once abandoned by the Government of the LDP and New Komeito. Households with children aged 18 or younger are eligible for a monthly allowance. The Government provides about 23,000 yen additionally for the first child (in urban areas), and provides from 800 yen to several thousand yen for every subsequent child.

[Enhanced assistance for single fathers]

The DPJ partially amended the Child Rearing Allowance Act in 2010 in order to provide a child rearing allowance to single-father households. In the past, the allowance was only given to single mothers; however, with the amendment, the Government improved the system to provide support for single fathers who have lost their jobs through corporate downsizing, etc.