JapanWhat is temporary protection by Child Guidance Center?
Temporary protection by a Child Guidance Center in Japan is an emergency measure where the center takes a child into its care for up to 2 months when the child’s welfare is at serious risk and immediate action is needed.
What the Law Says
Temporary protection is an administrative intervention authorized under Japan’s Child Welfare Act. It allows a Child Guidance Center to take physical custody of a child without a court order when urgent action is necessary to protect the child’s well-being.
Under Article 27 of the Child Welfare Act, a Child Guidance Center may provide temporary protection to a child who is in danger due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other circumstances seriously threatening their physical or mental welfare.
This measure is intended to be short-term and emergency-focused. The center must assess the child’s situation promptly and decide whether longer-term protective measures — such as placement in foster care or institutional care — are needed.
The law requires that temporary protection not exceed 60 days unless extended by a family court order. However, the initial placement is made solely by the Child Guidance Center based on professional judgment.
Statutory TextWhen it is deemed necessary for the welfare of a child to provide temporary protection, the director of a child guidance center may place the child under temporary protection.
— Child Welfare Act, Art. 27 — Temporary Protection
Statutory TextThe period of temporary protection shall not exceed sixty days.
— Child Welfare Act, Art. 27, Paragraph 2 — Temporary Protection
What to Do
Contact the nearest Child Guidance Center immediately if a child is in imminent danger.
Provide clear information about the child’s situation, including risks to safety or development.
Cooperate with staff during assessment; they may interview the child, family, and others involved.
If temporary protection begins, the center will notify relevant parties and begin planning next steps within 60 days.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.