Social workers to help left-behind kids

Social workers should make timely reports to authorities if they find or suspect a left-behind child is falling victim to domestic violence or another form of abuse, according to a series of guidelines released on Monday.

The guidelines, issued by five departments - including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Communist Youth League Central Committee - said professionals are becoming forces in caring for and protecting left-behind children in rural areas, and are playing a positive role in helping the children develop.

"Social workers are encouraged to provide assistance in caring for and protecting left-behind children, including conducting home visits, surveys and evaluations," the guidelines say. Surveys should be designed to help children by coming to know family members, who is caring for them, whether they have attended school and their physical and mental health.