We were able to introduce activities to support posthumous children and orphans from the earthquake disaster and the kindred foster parent salon, which have been conducted by the Support office for Children in the Aftermath since September 2011, with the panels, leaflets and materials displayed. The booklet “Bringing up this child”, which includes feedback from kindred foster parents who have nurtured posthumous children or those orphaned by the earthquake disaster, was prepared in both Japanese and English versions. This booklet in particular gave many people an insight into the views of the kindred foster parents.

People from both inside and outside Japan visited the forum. We received questions concerning “the kinds and meanings of foster care”, “the difference between foster care and adoption”, “the merits of using foster care”, etc.

At the session held at the Sendai Mediatheque, a counselor from the Support office for Children in the Aftermath of the 2011 Japan Earthquake made a presentation concerning activities in which feedback from kindred foster parents obtained from surveys for preparation of “Bringing up this child” were introduced, using some local dialects. One visitor commented, “With the local dialects, the thoughts of the foster parents touched me more deeply.”

Henceforth, we will continue to engage in activities in support of posthumous children or those orphaned by the earthquake disaster, for the adults surrounding the children and their supporters.