Child-rearing at a Residential Child Care Institution

Abstract

As a result of his single mother’s financial and work-related struggles, three-year-old Masaru was placed in a residential child care institution, one of many Japanese facilities for children who for a variety of reasons cannot live with their families. Several months later, Masaru’s mother married and brought him home to his new family. His mother, however, had mental health problems, and his new stepfather, a member of the Japanese mob, did not want him. Soon after he returned home, Masaru’s stepfather began physically abusing him and also exposed him to adult criminality. Over time, Masaru developed serious behavioral problems, including fighting with his peers. When he was eight years old, his mother sought help from a child guidance center. Such centers are accessible throughout Japan to provide services and referrals for a range of child-rearing and developmental issues. After consulting with staff members, Masaru’s mother again decided to place him in a residential child care institution. He lived there for two years before reuniting with his family. Unfortunately, family problems persisted, and Masaru’s mother again sought help. This time, Masaru, now age thirteen, was placed in the Children’s Academy, a residential child care institution and primary site of our research.