China Strengthens Its Early Warning and Protection Mechanism Against Child Neglect
China has taken a new step to strengthen support mechanisms for migrant children and “left-behind” children who live apart from their families ahead of International Children’s Day. A circular issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs aims to identify, register, and support disadvantaged children more effectively in line with building a child-friendly society.
The 27 central government departments, including the Supreme People’s Court and the Ministry of Education, jointly prepared the circular. The regulation requires local authorities to adopt an approach of “precise screening, accurate filing, and targeted services” for millions of disadvantaged children. Under this framework, the authorities will cross-check existing data with education, health, and public security records by September.
Local civil affairs departments will dynamically register newly identified migrant and left-behind children through routine visits and public feedback. In provinces with large populations of these children, registration efforts will be prioritized, especially during periods of increased migration, such as the spring job season and school holidays. The circular also calls for the creation of special care files for children who lack access to schooling, healthcare, or proper care and guardianship. These files will be regularly updated through home visits. In addition, teachers, doctors, and other frontline workers will be required to report signs of neglect or abuse. In cases of violence or sudden harm, emergency protocols involving the police, health teams, and local women’s federations will be activated.