Law would raise bar for foster parents

Caregivers may be subject to criminal penalty for abuse of child

Foster parents will face harsher punishments, including criminal penalties, if they are found abusing children under their care, according to a draft law published by the State Council on its website.

The temporary caregivers can be held criminally liable if they seek illegal profits from the children they shelter, or if they abuse them or seriously violate the child's rights, according to the draft, which revises regulations governing foster families.