At the workshop held on Dec. 7, Phan Thanh Minh, head of the city'schild protection office, said the rate of accidents as well as sexualand labour abuse of children was expected to fall once the publicbecomes more aware of childcare issues.
The city targets a15 percent reduction in accident and abuse cases. Officials will alsoreview regulations and responsibilities of authorities in childrenprotection and care as well as devise more preferential policies forofficials and volunteers. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung, the department'sdeputy head, said that the People's Committee would approve spending ofmore than 11 billion VND (564,102 USD) to pay more to officials andvolunteers specialising in children protection and care.
In January this year, the city set up consulting rooms for parents andchildren in People's Committee's offices in three wards in Tan Phudistrict and two wards in District 6 to begin a pilot programme. Thewards have also created clubs for children.
The city also plans to offer services to support the health of mothers and children.
The new policy has set a goal to ensure that all homeless children willbe cared for and that at least 95 percent of children suffering from aharelip or cleft palate deformity will receive free surgery./.