On April 14^th, 2021, the MHLW held the “1^st Meeting of the Working Group on Regional Cooperation Networks regarding the Adult Guardianship System”. The working group was set up by the group of experts appointed by the MHLW to discuss promotion of the adult guardianship system, which was established on July 2^nd, 2018, based on the provisions of Article 13, Paragraph 2 of the Act on Promotion of the Adult Guardianship System (Act No. 29 of 2016). It aims to understand and evaluate the progress of the adult guardianship system and deliberate on necessary measures for the comprehensive and systematic promotion of the scheme. The purpose of the meeting was to promote regional cooperation on advocacy support for adult guardianship. The main issues discussed at the meeting were actions to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the construction of a solid network system. KPIs are critical indicators of progress toward an intended result. Evaluation goals were set at the Expert Meeting on the Promotion of the Adult Guardianship System, namely the development of core institutions for networking in all regions, and enhancement of the four functions of networks (public relations, consultation, promotion, and support of the adult guardianship system) by the end of the 2020 fiscal year. In addition, the following two reports were presented at the meeting.

“Formulation of a Regional Cooperation Network - Initiatives of the Eastern Owari Support Center for Protection of Human Rights”, presented by the Director, Ms. Atsuko Sumita.

“Efforts of the Council of Social Welfare to Protect Human Rights”, presented by Mr. Ryota Takahashi, General Manager of the Community Welfare Department, National Council of Social Welfare.

For further information, please visit the following website.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_18036.html