ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

Objectives: This study aims to analyze local laws related to the creation of the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative(CFCI), extract policy implications, and suggest practical improvements for establishing a child-friendly legal and institutional environment. Methods: A content analysis was conducted on 159 local laws related to the creation of CFCI, using the analytical framework suggested by Gilbert and Terrell(2013). Specifically, the laws were analyzed in terms of values and attitudes toward children's rights, policy target, benefits, delivery system, and financial framework. Results: Regarding values, most laws reflected the general principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; however, the principle of child participation was relatively underemphasized. In terms of the target population, most laws defined the target as children under the age of 18, although a few laws included children as young as 13 or extended the age limit to 24, showing some variation. Regarding benefits, there was insufficient detail on how indirect benefits (e.g., child surveys, child impact assessments) would be provided, and direct benefits (e.g., creation of spaces for children, provision of safety systems, education, play, and health support) were often presented in a formal, list-like manner with only titles mentioned. In terms of the delivery system, the names of the dedicated public departments varied significantly across laws, and many of them appeared to be only loosely related to children and youth. The roles and functions of ombudspersons also showed large discrepancies. Financial support provisions were mostly framed as discretionary, highlighting the need for improvements to ensure policy stability and sustainability. Conclusion: In order for CFCI to be more than just a declarative initiative and to operate more effectively based on children's rights, laws should clearly define procedures for reflecting children's opinions and ensuring their participation. Furthermore, the details of the benefits should be enhanced to increase their effectiveness. It is also essential to establish dedicated organizations as part of the delivery system and specify financial regulations to strengthen policy implementation and create a sustainable operational foundation.

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