ヤングケアラー支援法が成立　国、自治体の努力明確化

　日常的に家族の世話や介護を担う子ども「ヤングケアラー」への支援強化を盛り込んだ改正子ども・若者育成支援推進法が５日の参院本会議で、与党の賛成多数により可決、成立した。国や自治体が１８歳以上も含めたヤングケアラー支援に努めることを明確化した。
　ヤングケアラーは責任や負担の重さにより、学業や友人関係などで悩みを抱えてしまうケースがある。国はこれまでヤングケアラーに対する支援を法律で定めておらず、一部自治体が独自に条例を制定していた。
　改正法は、引きこもりなど、年齢を問わず「社会生活に困難を有する子ども・若者」に対して国や自治体が支援に努めることを規定。新たにヤングケアラーもその対象として明記した。（2024/06/05-17:14）

Japan's parliament enacted on Wednesday an amended law stipulating government assistance for young people who provide daily care for family members.
   The revised law to promote support for child-nurturing and youth development was approved by a majority vote of the ruling bloc at a plenary meeting of the House of Councillors, the upper parliamentary chamber.
   There have been cases in which young caregivers have problems with school studies and relations with friends due to their demanding responsibilities and burdens.
   But the old law did not have a clause stipulating the central government's assistance for such youngsters, while some local governments were providing support to them under their own ordinances.
   The legislation was amended to make it clear that both central and local governments will make efforts to assist young caregivers in addition to children and youths suffering difficulties in their social lives, such as "hikikomori" shut-ins.