Fairy tale Writer Jeon Isoo, Child Rights Ambassador for the NCRC

Jeon Isoo, a fairy tale writer, has been unveiled as the first Child Rights Ambassador of the NCRC on Mar. 11, 2021.   The 13-year-old boy became public as a gifted child through a TV program called “Finding Genius” in 2017. The way he interprets and feels the world have been truly exceptional considering that he was only 7 when his first fairy tale (Baby Crocodile Taco) was introduced. Since then, he has been immersing himself in releasing a series of books and hosting exhibitions. Jeon Isoo has also been active in social contribution activities by promoting environmental campaigns based on his paintings and articles as well as organizing fundraising exhibitions for children in need of protection.   For the next 2 years, he will directly involve in various promotional activities and content development of the NCRC to enhance public awareness on child rights.   “Participation of a child himself in activities for strengthening child rights holds a significant meaning. I greatly look forward to working with him to raise the level of public awareness on child rights.” said, Yoon Hye-mee, the President of the NCRC.

International seminar was held to discuss foster care system

The NCRC successfully wrapped up the first international seminar on foster care system under the theme of “Changes and Development of Foster Care System in Korea, US and Japan” on Dec. 14, 2020 via its official YouTube channel.   The seminar was kicked off by presentations of Professor Hyuna Kang (Sookmyung Women’s University, Korea), Professor Peter J. Pecora (University of Washington, USA) and Professor Kayoko ITO (Osaka City University, Japan) to introduce the current developments of foster care system of each country and share related challenges. Following this, a panel discussion, moderated by President Sun Hee Baek (Korea Institute of Child Care and Education), was held among Associate Professor EunJu Lee (University at Albany), Associate Professor MinHo Kang (Doshisha University), Associate Research Fellow SangJung Lee (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs) and Head SunSook Kim (NCRC Child Policy Evaluation Center).   Both speakers and panels have provided insightful advice such as putting priority on the views of children, expanding the scope of the general foster care system, narrowing the age gap between foster parents and children to be placed and strengthening support for original families.   About 130 people who watched this seminar via online were also given a chance to communicate and ask questions through LiveChat.   President Yoon Hye-mee of the NCRC said, “Professor Peter J. Pecora of the US has particularly provided meaningful insights on goals, principles and services of our foster care system. The cases and policy experiences of both the US and Japan will be of great help for us to further improve Korea’s foster care system.”