The State Council urged reinforced efforts to protect and take care of “left-behind” children in rural areas in a document issued on Feb 14.

The policy targets those below the age of 16 with both parents going leaving for non-farming jobs or with one parent working away and the other incapable of guardianship.

The State Council called for the establishment of a work system, with families, governments, schools and social groups taking part, which can provide care and protection to “left-behind children”. A rescue mechanism that includes intervention measures such as mandatory reporting, crisis management and assistance evaluation will prevent infringements on the rights of these children.

It is expected that, by 2020, China will improve laws and regulations regarding child protection, and create a safer environment for children to grow up in. In this way, the number of “left-behind children” will be reduced.

The government will provide more assistance such as granting families of migrant workers urban citizenship or subsidies in housing or education. Rural migrant workers are also encouraged to return to their hometowns and start their own businesses.