Looking for a better way to care for children: Cooperation between the state and civil society in China

Orphaned or abandoned children, most of them also disabled, are the most vulnerable group in Chinese society. This article examines the new policy movement in China, from institutional care to foster care. Moving to foster care should cost the government little more than it spends now, but it could lead to a revolutionary change in the system of supporting these children. The policy process behind this change is characterized by an interaction among the state, civil society, and citizens. Both international and domestic nongovernmental organizations have been actively involved in the process.