This online forum is an extension program of the Asian Family Summit (AFS), aiming to provide a professional platform for learning and exchange among family service practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and university students from across Asia and beyond. Together, we will examine critical issues concerning family mental health in times of rapid social change.

In an era marked by digital information overload and constant transitions, individuals often feel isolated, making familial bonds more essential than ever. This webinar seeks to stimulate in-depth dialogue and rediscover the home as a sanctuary—where genuine emotions and mindful communication are nurtured. Participants will explore transformative strategies to foster emotional resilience, rebuild authentic conversations, and create supportive environments that meet the needs of every family member. One recent example of efforts to better understand and respond to evolving family needs comes from Taiwan. The Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) conducted the 2024 Public Spaces Child-Friendly Survey revealing how children and families perceive urban environments and identifying critical factors that influence their sense of safety, belonging, and emotional well-being. Through heartfelt insights, the discussions will highlight how everyday challenges can be reframed as opportunities for growth, connection, and love. The program will also feature a thematic session titled "Sharing of Good Practice in Asia: Making a Difference for Families in Asia."

CWLF 's presentation  begins by contextualizing Taiwan’s pressing demographic challenge—one of the world’s lowest fertility rates. In 2023, the fertility rate dropped to an all-time low of 0.87, and in 2024, the number of newborns further declined to approximately 131,000, the lowest figure since 1970. This downward trend, ongoing since 2015, persisted even in 2024, a Year of the Dragon traditionally seen as auspicious for childbirth.

In response to this urgent societal issue, CWLF launched the Together We Grow program, which provides stress-relief services to middle-class families through parenting skill development and peer support groups. Grounded in evidence-based theories, the program has proven effective in reducing parental stress, enhancing parenting confidence, and improving overall family interactions—strengthening the concept that parents who feel supported with their first child are more open to having a second.

Since its launch in 2021, Together We Grow has integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into its design, offering diverse stress-relief activities, social support building, and family functioning enhancement. Its social enterprise model also addresses corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) demands, attracting large-scale enterprises to participate—paving the way for a new model of collaboration between nonprofit and corporate sectors.

CWLF’s holistic approach also includes research-based advocacy on child-friendly public environments. In a recent initiative, the organization conducted the 2024 Public Spaces Child-Friendly Survey to better understand the needs and perceptions of children in urban spaces. Despite its achievements, challenges in time-consuming data collection and limited insight into user needs prompted CWLF to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency and deepen understanding. Since late 2024, with the launch of a digital empowerment initiative, CWLF has replaced traditional questionnaires with AI-analyzed audio recordings. This innovation has tripled operational efficiency while generating more nuanced insights into parental interests and behaviors. Consequently, newsletter engagement has increased fourfold, and parents now provide more natural and in-depth feedback. Parenting coaches are better equipped to tailor their support, while administrative burdens have significantly decreased.

Looking forward, CWLF is committed to expanding the digital integration model beyond Together We Grow service. With the program currently active in three counties, we aim to apply AI-supported practices to a broader range of programs, thus reaching even more families. The initial phase of expansion will target nine counties where our Child-Rearing Support Community Service Centers operate, followed by a full-scale rollout to all 14 regions where CWLF is present, ultimately reaching over one million families.

In conclusion, by integrating AI into family service provision, CWLF is not only improving the experience for both parents and practitioners but also establishing a scalable and sustainable service model capable of supporting a growing number of families across Taiwan. As we continue to evolve, our vision is to build a more supportive, responsive, and enduring system that empowers families and reinforces community resilience across the nation.