As time changes and society moves forward, a more decentralized social welfare system will eventually be the inevitable choice in building the foundation for China's social welfare system. This evolution has great bearing on the livelihood of the people.
Three management types for Chinese social welfare institutions. The government runs some of them. Some are collectively run in rural areas. And the rest are enjoying favorable policies devised by their grassroots communities or individuals.
Years of efforts have brought positive results. Currently there are more than 39,500 social welfare institutions. 1,456 of them are general ones to accommodate the old, handicapped and orphans. 6,724 of them are designated for elders in urban areas and 31,373 for elders in rural areas. To create more job opportunities for handicapped people, the government has established some 30,100 welfare enterprises that offer 559,000 placements. There are 249 institutions and other supporting departments in place to help the orphans.
In general, the welfare system has made great strides forward. But more efforts are needed in view of the huge strain resulting from the increasing ageing population.