Govt announces steps to protect unattended children amid epidemic

The State Council’s joint prevention and control mechanism for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic issued a circular on March 15, proposing measures to care for, protect and aid children left unattended after the virus outbreak.

These measures cover children whose parents or other guardians are identified as confirmed or suspected cases of the COVID-19 or need to be quarantined for observation, or cannot fully assume the guardianship responsibility due to anti-epidemic work or otherwise.

To make sure all eligible children are assisted, grassroots-level community and village workers, health agencies and other individuals and organizations offering epidemic-related services should report any child neglect in time to the registering village (neighborhood) committee or the related department in charge.

Meanwhile, parents or other guardians unable to look after their children as a result of the epidemic should proactively inform the said committee.

Local governments should adopt means such as special hotlines to encourage timely reporting.

Any unattended children meeting the criteria should get due care from temporary caretakers, and prompt testing and treatment in the case of contact with COVID-19 patients or other situations requiring that.

Regular home visits or phone calls should be made to ensure the temporary caretakers can truly fulfill their obligations.

Children in need should also have access to temporary financial aid, psychological counseling and remote schooling services, among others.

For sound implementation, government funds as well as clear procedures for execution, supervision and accountability should be in place.