BEIJING — Chinese children living impoverished lives in rural areas are taken care of by more than 650,000 people, according to a report issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

These children affairs supervisors attend to children nationwide living in poverty, have disabilities or lack legal guardians.

In June 2016, the State Council released a guideline on ensuring subsistence, basic medical care, schooling and custody for children in need, demanding village and neighborhood committees hire children affairs supervisors.

The supervisors are responsible for helping children register with authorities, regularly visit the children’s households and provide assistance to the families.

Minister of Civil Affairs Huang Shuxian said at a press conference that the ministry would stipulate a new guideline on improving local child care and protection systems and measures in 2019.