Guangdong CPPCC member calls for more adoptions

A member of the Guangdong committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference suggested individuals, especially those who have lost their only child, be encouraged to adopt orphans.

There are about 615,000 orphans in China, about 100,000 of who are cared for by the government, Luo Huohuo, said at the ongoing annual session of the committee, as reported by Guangzhou Daily.

Luo suggested the government further regulate the license of non-governmental organizations caring for orphans and enhance the management of unlicensed orphanages.

Luo has adopted two children.

Zhu Yikun, also a member of the provincial committee, suggested the legislature issue a regulation on the welfare of children, and a department for the welfare of children be established.

Chen Li, also a member of the Guangdong committee, suggested more details be issued concerning aid to those who have lost their only child.

There are as many as 70,000 to 80,000 such families in Guangdong, Chen estimates.

The financial aid to those families varies greatly among cities in Guangdong, in Zhongshan it is 1,600 yuan ($257) per family a month and in Guangzhou it is 150 yuan a month, Chen said.

Chen suggested a government agency be established to manage and help those families and a certificate be issued to such families, so that the relatives can sign in place of a child when seeking medical care and nursing home services.