困境兒童(kùnjìng értóng): Vulnerable children in need

At an executive meeting held on International Children's Day, the State Council, China's Cabinet, called for better support for vulnerable children in need.

Vulnerable children in need refers to kids who endure harsh living conditions because of family poverty, health problems, and the lack of parental care, as well as children who were abducted. These vulnerable children in extremely difficult circumstances face many problems including severe poverty and lack of medical care and education.

The State Council pointed out that providing security to vulnerable children in need is an important part of the country's social security mechanism, as well as the joint responsibility of families, the government and society.

According to the meeting, vulnerable children in need should receive support through the social security system through such things as orphan assistance, poverty relief aid, the basic living allowance and temporary aid.

Children whose parents lack the ability to care for them and without other guardians should be raised by child welfare institutions.

Basic medical insurance and critical illness insurance should give priority to seriously ill or seriously disabled children, and the ratio and the overall amount of insurance reimbursement should be increased.

Moreover, the authorities should provide 12 years free education to disabled children in impoverished families to make sure they don't drop out.