The Kobe City Council of Social Welfare and the Nine Wards in order to strengthen the promotion of community welfare activities

Press Release (April 2, 2024)
Kobe City Council of Social Welfare, Policy Division, Welfare Bureau

1.

Purpose

The Kobe City Council of Social Welfare (Municipal CSW) concluded an absorption-type merger agreement on April 1, 2024 with the nine ward councils of social welfare (ward CSW) in the city, with the municipal CSW as the surviving corporation. (Merger date: April 1, 2025)
After the corporate merger, the system of the ward CSW will be strengthened by consolidating the corporate management operations, etc. of the ward CSW into the city CSW to streamline their operations, and the city and ward CSW will work together to promote local welfare (community social work) and further promote welfare activities in the neighborhood, especially in elementary school areas. In particular, we will further promote welfare activities in neighborhoods based on elementary school areas.
After the merger, there will be no change in the name of the ward CSW, the administrative structure, or the relationship with community groups, etc.

CSW

are organizations for promoting community welfare activities, consisting of welfare-related organizations such as commissioned welfare and child welfare volunteers, women’s associations, community associations, social welfare facilities, social welfare organizations, NPOs, and local governments. Based on the Social Welfare Law, they are organized in each of the nation, prefectures, and municipalities.
They promote community welfare activities by local residents through projects subsidized or commissioned by the government, long-term care insurance services, welfare services for people with disabilities, local child-rearing support services, and volunteer center operations, including during disasters.

3. History of the Kobe City Council of Social Welfare and the Council of Social Welfare for each ward

1951: Kobe City Council of Social Welfare established (voluntary organization). Sequentially, each ward Council of Social Welfare is established (voluntary organization)
1955: Kobe City Council of Social Welfare is incorporated
1992 and 1993: Each ward Council of Social Welfare is sequentially incorporated