Families of children needing daily medical care in Japan are struggling to find the support they need, despite a law coming into force last year that was supposed to guarantee them assistance and a standard education.
While many prefectures are preparing to set up support centers by March next year to offer consultation services for such families, some are dragging their feet in providing the necessary help, leaving parents who are facing dire situations feeling abandoned and powerless.
"There are many parents who cannot consult anyone and are feeling trapped," said Masami Oshiro, 44, a single mother of four in Tomigusuku, Okinawa Prefecture. Her 8-year-old son Reo has cerebral palsy, a brain development disorder.