[Associations between the characteristics of the facility and staff, collaboration with the community, and development of business continuity plans in children's homes].

Abstract

Objectives　Children's homes are residential facilities that provide care for children if circumstances prevent them from living with their guardians. In case of disasters, it is necessary to continue caring for the children and supporting the community. Therefore, developing business continuity plans (BCP) is essential. Since April 2023, children's welfare institutions have been required to develop BCPs. However, this process is currently behind schedule. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence BCP formulation in children's homes and provide recommendations to support their development.Methods　Between April and June 2023, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with the staff-in-charge of BCP development at 579 facilities belonging to the National Council of Child Welfare. The questionnaire items included status of BCP development, characteristics of the children's homes and their disaster-related experiences, background of staff-in-charge of BCP development, and the development of a cooperative framework with the community The association between BCP development status and each item was analyzed using χ² or Fisher's exact test (significance level; 5%). This study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee of our institution.Results　In total, 184 valid responses (31.8%) were analyzed. The results showed that 76 facilities (41.3%) had developed BCPs, the admission capacity of children's homes was 44.7±18.7, 45 facilities (24.5%) had disaster-related experiences, and 99 facilities (53.8%) had welfare evacuation centers and developing BCPs. Significant differences were found in BCP development status, sex, experience with BCP development, participation in BCP development training, and need for assistance in BCP development. Regarding the relationship between the intention to develop a BCP and system of cooperation and collaboration with the local community, there was a significant difference in participation in local disaster prevention drills.Conclusion　The status of BCP development in children's homes was related to sex, experience with BCP development, participation in BCP development training, and the need for support. The intention to create a BCP is related to previous experience, participation in BCP formulation training, and involvement in local disaster drills. To promote BCP development in children's homes, previous experiences with BCP development, training sessions, and community disaster drills must be considered.