China has announced new nationwide measures aimed at improving the welfare and protection of migrant children and left-behind children as part of broader efforts to build a more “child-friendly society.”
The directive was issued by 27 central government departments, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Ministry of Education, ahead of International Children’s Day marked annually on June 1.
Authorities said the policy is designed to improve tracking systems for vulnerable children and ensure they have equal access to public services such as education and healthcare, particularly in urban areas where many migrant families relocate for work.
The initiative comes amid changing demographic trends in China’s internal migration system. According to official census data, the number of migrant children has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching around 71 million children aged 17 and under. This figure now exceeds the number of “left-behind children,” which stands at approximately 66.9 million.
Migrant children are those who move with their parents from rural areas to cities, while left-behind children remain in rural communities when one or both parents migrate for work.
Under the new policy, local governments are required to strengthen data collection and ensure accurate records of vulnerable children through a system of “precise screening, accurate filing, and targeted services.”
Authorities must cross-check education, healthcare, and public security databases by September to identify missing or unregistered children. Where gaps exist, local child welfare workers will conduct door-to-door visits to ensure proper registration and support.
The circular also instructs regional authorities to maintain updated case files for children facing severe hardship, including those without proper guardianship or access to schooling and medical care. These records must be regularly reviewed and updated through community outreach.
A key component of the policy is ensuring equal access to public services for migrant children, including school enrollment based on residency permits and improved coordination of healthcare services across regions. This aims to reduce disparities between urban and rural access to essential services.
For left-behind children, the focus will be on addressing gaps in parental care, reducing risks of neglect or abuse, and expanding access to psychological and social support services.
The policy also introduces a more structured risk-response system. Teachers, healthcare workers, and other frontline professionals are now required to report suspected cases of neglect, abuse, or other safety risks. In serious cases, coordinated responses involving public security authorities and social services will be activated.
Officials emphasized that stronger supervision will be applied to local authorities to ensure compliance. Areas with weak implementation may face stricter oversight and evaluation.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs said the new system will be integrated into future performance assessments for local governments, reflecting a stronger accountability framework for child welfare policies.
The latest measures highlight China’s ongoing efforts to manage the social impacts of large-scale internal migration, where millions of children are affected by family separation or relocation. The policy aims to reduce inequality, improve child protection systems, and ensure better long-term social outcomes for vulnerable groups.