Since 1949, more than 7,000 orphans from DISW have been brought up by 1,500 families in about 50 local villages.

Among them, more than 70 orphans have received university educations. Nearly 4,000 have been adopted. About 1,500 have found jobs and have been earning their own livings.

The only local criminal case related to an orphan took place when a boy with an intellectual disability stole 5 yuan ($0.75) from a cab driver, Jin, DISW's director, said.

"Research shows crime rates among orphans are usually high, as youths often suffer psychological problems resulting from a lack of family support," Jin said. "But hardly any of Datong's foster children have criminal records, which testifies to the model's positive outcomes."

But challenges remain, Jin said.

The number of foster families is shrinking with economic development and the rise of farmers' income. Farmers in rich villages are more reluctant to become foster parents, because they do not find the 650-yuan monthly subsidy attractive, Jin explained.

The central government can solve the problem by increasing the allowance, he said.

"The biggest problem we are facing is not money but rather figuring out how to ensure better developmental environments for orphans in rural foster families," Jin said.

Consequently, the institute has begun to shift its focus from villages to cities by increasing the number of urban foster families, Jin explained.

"Our final goal is to establish a scientific mechanism to place all orphans in the institute in foster homes," he said.

For the next five years, the central government plans to establish a basic guarantee system for orphans and safeguard their basic rights to make their lives happier and more dignified, the State Council's General Office said in a circular on Nov 18.

Local governments were urged to use various approaches to expand channels for the placement of orphans, including institutional care, family foster care and adoption.

Authorities will ensure orphans' basic living standards by funding their educations and medical services, improving medical rehabilitation for those with disabilities, and supporting adult orphans' employment and housing.

The central and local governments at all levels should also allocate special funds to ensure the timely provision of basic living expenses.

(China Daily December 10, 2010)