China Unveils National Action Plan to Improve Protection of Migrant Children

China Unveils National Action Plan to Improve Protection of Migrant Children

China has launched its first-ever national action plan aimed at enhancing the care and protection of migrant children, the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced on Tuesday. The policy, developed by 21 government departments, sets a foundation for improving services for migrant children in their places of residence.

The plan includes a checklist of 19 essential services across six key areas: nursing, education, medical care, housing, and more. Local governments are required to adopt this national checklist and tailor it to the needs of their regions while ensuring that the level of service does not fall below national standards.

To support children facing hardships such as family instability, physical disabilities, or lack of guardianship, the plan introduces a monitoring and screening system. Regular visits and assistance will be provided to ensure these children receive necessary care.

China also intends to strengthen grassroots networks for migrant child protection by building city- and county-level institutions, as well as establishing protection stations in townships and neighborhoods. Additionally, efforts will be made to increase the number of child service centers in communities and improve public service infrastructure for children.

Migrant children, who often move with their parents for work, face significant challenges accessing essential services like education, healthcare, and social welfare. This new action plan seeks to address these issues and provide a more stable support system for vulnerable children.