Academic Archives of Yamaguchi Prefectural University Volume 19
published_at 2026-03-31
This paper reports on the practice of the “Children and Families Happiness Project,” a community collaboration initiative launched in fiscal year 2023 by Institute of Child and Family Social Work Education affiliated with the Faculty of Social Welfare at Yamaguchi Prefectural University. Addressing complex community challenges such as isolated parenting households, school refusal, support for children with developmental disorders, and support for children requiring medical care, the university leveraged its educational and research functions to collaborate with related organizations. This collaboration resulted in the development of six support programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and families. Students actively participated in each practice, forming a mutually reinforcing cycle of support and learning. This research presents a new model for supporting children and families, where the university-affiliated research institute functions as a hub connecting local support resources, complementing existing systems.