DENVER, CO – Colorado’s pioneering strategies in child welfare drew international attention, as a Japanese delegation seeking to modernize their own system visited the state from February 10th to 13th.
A 12-member delegation, comprising Japanese child welfare practitioners, educators, and policymakers, traveled to Colorado for a collaborative learning exchange. The visit, facilitated by Foster America and the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, aimed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge sharing.
During their stay, the delegation focused on understanding Colorado’s approaches to preventing unnecessary child welfare system involvement. They engaged with state and local leaders, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to discuss successful strategies and address common challenges.
“This exchange provided a valuable opportunity for both Colorado and Japan to learn from each other,” stated a representative from the Kempe Center. “By sharing our experiences, we collectively worked towards improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.”
Japan’s interest stemmed from its ongoing efforts to modernize its child welfare system, and Colorado’s innovative prevention-focused programs were seen as a potential model. The visit underscored the growing recognition of Colorado’s leadership in developing effective child welfare strategies.
