China Youth Daily – Jinan Child Welfare Agency establishes “infant refuge”

In Jinan city of Shandong province, an “infant refuge” has recently opened. After 11 days, it admitted 106 babies, far exceeding expectations and capacity of the staff and facilities. In 2013, only 85 babies were admitted into the entire system. Of the 106 children admitted: 55 are boys, 51 are girls. The oldest is 7 years old, while the youngest is only 5 days old. Over 85% of the children have been brought during the nighttime, and initial examinations show that the vast majority of them suffer in some degree from a mental or physical disability or illness, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, congenital heart disease, and other severe illnesses. These children are not only being brought from cities around Jinan, but some come from other provinces, such as Fujian and Guangxi. The Child Welfare Agency is struggling with unexpectedly large amount of children who have been admitted. It is challenged by a lack of staff and material resources, and some fear that the infant refuge will not be able to remain open. Nonetheless, its managers and supporters argue that such a facility is clearly needed and worthwhile, and whether or not the facility is temporarily closed, there is much to be learned from this experience to help abandoned children in the area.