Over the past decade, the Osaka Bar Association has been working closely with the local social welfare association to prevent repeat offenses by people with disabilities who have committed crimes.
Under the system, welfare and other workers assist in defense lawyers' activities in the investigation and court hearing stages and propose rehabilitation support plans suitable for the defendants in terms of their disabilities and characteristics.
The system, dubbed the "Osaka Model," has achieved some results, but seems to have reached a turning point as it faces challenges to secure welfare and other personnel.