New trial offers transportation support for children facing experience barriers

Chance for Children (CFC), a nonprofit dedicated to reducing inequalities in children’s experiences, has partnered with Carepro to provide free transportation services for Tokyo families where disabilities, illnesses, or other issues make it difficult to travel.

The trial, aimed at families who use Sumida Ward’s “Harocaru” program, will assist children and their guardians who struggle to access transportation. It is an attempt to address “experience gaps” — barriers that prevent children from participating in educational or recreational activities we take for granted due to logistical difficulties.

A key finding from a recent CFC report highlighted that 51.5% of families with an annual income of less than 3 million yen (about 20,700 US dollars) were unable to provide their children with enriching experiences because the parents did not have time for transportation or accompaniment. Families dealing with illness or disability are particularly vulnerable, often forcing children to forgo opportunities altogether.

In the trial, CFC will collaborate with Carepro’s “DokoCare” mobility support service to provide transportation for families that meet specific conditions. Carepro’s professional staff, including nurses, will handle transportation, ensuring that children and families can travel safely to and from their activities. The service is fully funded by CFC, meaning families will receive the support free of charge.

Eligibility for the program is based on several factors, including whether the family is using the Harocaru service and if the child or their family member has a disability or illness that makes transportation difficult. Families must also be willing to participate in surveys to help CFC evaluate the trial’s effectiveness.