CHILD PROTECTION

Every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment to grow and connect with the world. Without protection, they risk missing critical developmental windows and facing violence or neglect—robbing them of a brighter future.

That’s why World Vision focuses on children affected by migration and disabilities in the Chinese Mainland—those most vulnerable to being left behind. These children often face disruption in care, education, and social inclusion. Many experience long periods of separation from parents, limited access to essential services, and a lack of consistent community support.

We use the globally recognized INSPIRE framework to guide our efforts in preventing violence and building safer environments for children. Through this approach, we work steadily to build safer environments for girls and boys to grow and flourish.

Building children’s life skills

We equip children to develop awareness and resilience to protect themselves. Through interactive learning, they gain the ability to recognize unsafe situations, seek help, and adapt to new environments – practical skills that help them feel secure, included and confident in navigating unfamiliar living  conditions. 

Supporting families and caregivers

We support families – including grandparents, caregivers, and migrant parents - with practical tools to promote children’s overall well-being. This includes strengthening parent-child relationships, encouraging social norms and values that foster protective behaviour, and promoting positive caregiving practices. For families navigating migration or raising a child with disabilities, we also connect them with peer networks and local support services.

Strengthening local protection systems

We work alongside local community organizations, social workers, and teachers and child protection actors to ensure timely, coordinated support to respond to children’s needs. Through expert-led training and collaboration, we promote stronger partnership and coordination between government agencies, sectors and organizations - helping build community systems that are more responsive, inclusive, and better prepared to protect children.

Why It Matters

Millions of children grow up without daily contact with their parents or must adapt to life in unfamiliar environments.

Without consistent care and support, they are more likely to experience emotional stress, lack supervision, have limited access to developmental opportunities, or face a higher risk of bullying, abuse, exploitation, and other forms of violence.

Through our work, children build resilience, families receive support and resources to better care for their children, and communities become safer and more nurturing for every child.

Nearly half of all children in the Chinese Mainland—around 138 million—are affected by migration, either as migrant children or those left behind by migrating parents.

UNICEF China, Children in China: An Atlas of Social Indicators 2024