Social aid to the needy far from what is needed

A family member shows photos of the mentally disabled nine-year-old boy skin and bone after he had gone missing from his home six months ago and died at a shelter for the homeless in Xinyang city, central Chinas Henan province. [Photo/IC]

The death of a 13-year-old boy with learning difficulties in Xinyang, Henan province, is being investigated by the local civil affairs department, after he was found bruised, battered and malnourished at a local hospital on April 18. He was found by police in October having got lost on his way home and was transferred to a local orphanage as he was unable to provide his name, age or address. Comments:

The best way to help waifs in the country would be to establish a nationwide system of specialized relief agencies, which should be a public service in every Chinese city at prefecture level or above. Of course, both timely disclosure of information about those being cared for and professional childcare are also important.

Han Han, a guest commentator with Beijing News, May 3

No matter what the investigation finds out, the death of the boy is a slap in the face for our social services system, which has inadequate communication channels between the local police and orphanages and families that have lost a child. This case has exposed the system's vulnerability because the boy was not identified in almost half a year.

Lanzhou Morning Post, April 30

A noteworthy question regarding what happened to this 13-year-old is: Was this just an isolated incident or are such cases common? Those who have been derelict in their duties or who have broken the law must be held accountable and punished. More importantly, the problems embedded in the country's social assistance system should be properly addressed.

Xu Fuxiang, a guest commentator with rednet.cn, May 3