Subject: [English Language Teaching Practices] Important Notes regarding Teaching Practicums Following the Implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Violence against Children Act

To protect the physical and mental well-being of children and prevent sexual crimes in educational and childcare settings, the Prevention of Sexual Violence against Children Act was enacted in June 2024 and will be fully implemented on December 25, 2026.

As this legislation impacts students conducting teaching practicums within the Graduate School’s English Language Teaching Practices(ELT), we hereby provide the following notice.

From December 25, 2026, school operators and private education and childcare providers—including schools, nurseries, and cram schools—are required to implement measures to prevent sexual violence. Please be aware of the following points regarding the requirement for practicum students to verify the absence of a specific sexual offense record.

【Responsibilities of Host Facilities, such as School Operators and Private Education and Childcare Providers】

• Maintain an environment that protects children from sexual violence on a daily basis.
• Verify the criminal records of individuals engaging in work that involves contact with children.
• Prevent individuals who pose a risk of sexual violence from engaging in work involving contact with children.

【Important Notes for Practicum Students】

• Determination of Record Checks: A criminal record check may be required if a practicum is determined to involve “Dominance, Continuity, and Closedness” toward children. This includes cases where one-on-one interaction is planned or the practicum period is significantly long. The final decision on whether a check is necessary rests with the host facility (the school where the practicum takes place).
• Submission of Information: If a check is deemed necessary, the student must personally submit their Family Registry (Koseki) or equivalent documentation to the Children and Families Agency via the official online system.
• Prohibition for those with Records: Individuals confirmed to have a record of “Specific Sexual Offenses” will be prohibited from participating in any practicum involving contact with children.
• Consent and Pledge Forms: Students are required to submit a Consent Form regarding the potential restrictions on practicums due to a Specific Sexual Offence Record at the time of admission*. Additionally, a Letter of Pledge confirming the absence of a specific sexual offense record prior to the start of the practicum.
  (*) Currently enrolled students will receive separate instructions regarding these documents.
  

• Impact on Required Courses: For students with a sexual offense record, there is a possibility of being denied participation in practicum, which may result in their inability to register for ELT’s required courses.

【Reference】

 For further details on this system, please visit the Children and Families Agency website: Prevention of Sexual Violence against Children Act  (Official Page / Japanese only)