Sino-Singapore Health丨Guangdong introduces ten measures to strengthen mental health care services for children in need
On October 9, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Civil Affairs announced a collaborative initiative aimed at improving mental health care services for vulnerable children. This comprehensive program, developed by eight different departments, outlines ten key strategies focused on enhancing mental health education, conducting health monitoring, and establishing accessible referral networks—all tailored to meet the needs of children and their families.
The “Ten Measures for Strengthening Mental Health Care Services for Vulnerable Children” emphasizes the critical role of mental health monitoring. The education sector has been tasked with creating tools to screen for psychological crises, along with guidelines and intervention manuals to standardize mental health assessments in schools. Special attention will be given to students with existing mental health challenges. When issues are identified in vulnerable children, prompt communication with their parents or guardians will be initiated to ensure timely psychological intervention, particularly for those affected by bullying, domestic violence, or sexual abuse.
To streamline the referral and treatment process, a range of local departments—including civil affairs, education, and health, as well as youth organizations and women’s groups—are being encouraged to work together more effectively. These entities will pool resources from child welfare organizations, juvenile rescue agencies, schools, mental health counseling centers, and healthcare facilities to provide comprehensive mental health services specifically for vulnerable children. For those in the care of civil affairs, it is essential that welfare institutions maintain an open line of communication with mental health agencies to ensure that children in need receive timely diagnosis and care.
In addition, there is an initiative to develop service facilities within child welfare and juvenile rescue institutions. These facilities are being encouraged to set up psychological counseling rooms, acquire essential equipment, and hire dedicated mental health professionals or contract specialized services. They will provide mental health assessments, education, and counseling for children residing in these environments, while also expanding the range of services offered to enhance professional care for at-risk youth.
Furthermore, with the consent of guardians and with a focus on protecting children’s privacy, there is a concerted effort underway to refine how schools, juvenile protection organizations, and social work stations handle the mental health cases of vulnerable children. Strengthening this collaboration among families, schools, and communities is key to building a comprehensive support system.
