Shiseido Children’s Foundation Releases 50th Report on Overseas Child Welfare Training

Overview of the 50th Shiseido Overseas Child Welfare Training

In November 2025, the Shiseido Children’s Foundation published the report of its 50th overseas training program for child welfare. This program, aimed at professionals working in child welfare institutions in Japan, provides a platform to learn about innovative child welfare systems and practices from around the world. Over the years, the program has seen participation from approximately 750 individuals, greatly contributing to the development of many leaders in the field of child welfare.

Training Program Details

Location

- Quebec, Canada

Participants

- Total: 10 participants

- 1 Program Leader (a physician from a university hospital)
- 1 Special Instructor (a lawyer)
- 8 Participants from child welfare facilities
- 3 Workers from child protective facilities
- 2 Youth support facility workers
- 1 Worker from a psychological treatment facility
- 2 Workers from family support centers

Schedule

1. In-Person Training: November 1 - 9, 2025
2. Remote Training: November 17, 2025

Training Themes

1. Practices and Challenges in Protecting Children’s Rights
2. Preventive Support through Multidisciplinary Collaboration
3. Systems and Practices of Social Foster Care

Main Report Topics: Learning from Quebec's "Best Interests of the Child"

During this training, discussions centered on children's rights and the concept of 'stability', highlighting the integrated support systems developed in Quebec, combining health and welfare services. Participants gained valuable insights into the various practices that prioritize the well-being of children.

Supporting Youth Independence and Community Participation

Participants visited a support center where young people can freely access services without prior bookings. They evaluated the mechanisms of the ‘Youth Committee,’ which encourages the autonomy of young people through participatory governance.

One-stop Support for Victims of Sexual Abuse

A visit was made to facilities that provide integrated support through police, medical, and welfare services, emphasizing evidence-based programs designed to prevent secondary trauma for caregivers and promote recovery for affected children.

Implementation of Shared Parental Responsibility

The program also included training on shared parental responsibility, which has been legally established in Quebec since 1977. Participants learned how children’s wishes are incorporated into judicial and support decision-making processes, a system set to be introduced in Japan in 2026.

Social Foster Care Tailored to Care Needs

Reports from various settings highlighted practices catering to the diverse needs of youths, ranging from group homes to specialized therapeutic units, facilitated by multidisciplinary teams.

Voices from Participants

Participants shared their experiences, expressing how the opportunity to interact with local experts prompted them to reconsider their perspectives on children and families. One participant remarked, “This was a remarkable opportunity to challenge our views on the support provided to children and families.” Another stated, “This training reaffirmed the significance of creating enduring support systems in our communities.”

Structure and Access to the Report

2025 Shiseido Overseas Child Welfare Training Report – Quebec Report

- Chapter I: Reports from the Leader and Special Instructor

- Recommendations on the collaboration between health care and welfare by Dr. Hiroshi Yamashita, Associate Professor of Child Mental Health at Kyushu University, and comparative analysis by Lawyer Kaori Fujita regarding shared parental responsibility in Japan and Quebec.

- Chapter II: Reports on Visits to Quebec

- Insights from visits to 20 institutions, including state and judicial agencies, a mother-child specialized hospital, support services for sexual abuse victims, youth support agencies, and facilities for social foster care.

- Chapter III: Learnings from the Training Group

- Reflections on the importance of 'respect for diversity' and the pursuit of children's stability in a multicultural society.

How to Access the Report

The PDF report for the 2025 Shiseido Children’s Foundation Overseas Child Welfare Training is available on the official website.
Read the full report here

About Shiseido Children’s Foundation

Established in April 1972 as part of Shiseido's centennial celebration, the Shiseido Children’s Foundation aims to give back to society. Guided by the vision of a society where every child shines, and through a mission of supporting children’s life skills, the foundation focuses on three main pillars:

1. Support for Children: Helping children living under social care to achieve independence and pursue higher education.
2. Support for Caregivers: Offering training opportunities and grants for those dedicated to supporting children’s development.
3. Information Dissemination: Funding activities that benefit community families and raise awareness against child abuse.