Women's rehabilitation associations are private-sector women's organizations that aim for the wholesome development of young people and cooperate in the rehabilitation of offenders and juvenile delinquents, as well as undertaking public information activities designed to stamp out crime and delinquency in the community, from a woman's point of view. These associations engage in a variety of activities, including the diffusion of ideas for rehabilitation, crime prevention, support and encouragement for probationers and others, and cooperation with volunteer probation officers, BBS associations, etc. In recent years, as well as holding meetings for dialog between small numbers of local residents("mini-meetings"), they have also been involved in support activities for childcare in the community, with some success.
  As of April 1st, 2000, there were 1,310 local associations, with a membership of 202,309 (source:Rehabilitation Bureau, Ministry of Justice).