Academic Papers

Title: Orphan Care in China
Authors: Liu Meng and Zhu Kai, China's Women University
Publication: Social Work & Society, Issue 1, Volume 7, 2009
Comment: Overview of China's welfare system for orphans.

Introduction
Orphan care in China was once provided by the central government as a means of social control. The centralized welfare delivery guaranteed some of the poorest orphans to be protected by the government. Since the economic reform, the central government started to relinquish its control over social welfare delivery, new forms of orphan care were introduced into China, sharing the responsibilities and burdens for caring the orphans. Yet, many issues and problems exist in social delivery due to a lack of finances, professionals, and policy support. In this chapter, we will discuss the background of social welfare changes in China, as pertains to orphan care, focusing on the different types of orphans as a result of social issues, service delivery, barriers and solutions. It is claimed that during the reform, the burden of orphan care in China may not be reduced in the coming future, and we offer suggestions to cope with that. To read the full article, please click here.

Title: Barriers for the Rural Poor on the Road to College (Reap Brief#107)
Publication: Rural Education Action Project (REAP Brief #107)
Comment: Brief comments on the challenges rural children face in making it to college.
To read the full article, please click here.

Recommended Books
Title: Survival Children: A Study of the Condition of Orphans in China (中国孤儿状况研究)
Author: Dr. Shang Xiaoyuan
Publication: Social Sciences Academic Press
Comment: Research based on the first national census of orphans in China. Includes in-depth interviews with 96 kinship foster families in 10 provinces.