"Corruption is surely always a problem, but we need to deal with a lot more difficulties, such as procedural complications in handling out the cash," said Wang Zhengyao, head of One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University.

Song Wenzhen of the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council [Maverick Chen / China.org.cn]

One group of children tends to be more neglected than others – migrant children, the ones who are taken to other cities by their parents who work there. These children are not technically orphans but nonetheless belong to the most vulnerable. China's household registration system prevents them from enjoying the benefits provided by their hometowns and their new city – cities do not keep a record of the migrant population under 16 years.

"The first step to break the barrier is to register them, making their presence known," said Song Wenzhen of the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council. Cities like Wuxi, Shijiazhuang and Zhongshan have already started pioneering this new practice, she said.

Similarly, children whose migrant worker parents left in their rural hometowns also need care and protection. Compared to migrant children, they have fewer financial difficulties and their education and healthcare are better attended to. But these children exhibit more emotional and behavioral problems from the lack of parental care.

"The best way to help them is not to label them," Song said. Labeling them as "leftover children" or "unattended children" – what Song called a title of inferiority – is a huge disrespect to them. Instead, the community should address often-neglected problems while making parents realize that their presence is the best way to protect them.