Further enhance the work of caring for and protecting children.

In 2023, the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee promptly concretized central government documents, paying attention to leading and directing the implementation of Directive No. 06-CT/TU dated June 11, 2021, of the Provincial Party Standing Committee; Decision No. 840/QD-UBND dated April 1, 2021, of the Provincial People's Committee approving the National Action Program for Children giai đoạn 2021 - 2030 in Nghe An province; Plan No. 231/KH-UBND dated April 4, 2023, on the plan for implementing child-related work in Nghe An province in 2023, and many other related documents.

Along with that, the awareness of Party committees, government agencies, sectors, communities, and families regarding the implementation of children's rights and issues related to children has increasingly improved, and coordination among different levels, sectors, communities, and families has become more close, active, and effective.
Currently, 97% of children with special circumstances in the province are being managed, monitored, assisted, and cared for to help them recover, reintegrate into the community, and have opportunities for development. While child abuse cases are still decreasing slowly, the number of cases detected and processed has increased. Accidents and injuries (especially child drowning and traffic accidents) have decreased significantly compared to the same period in 2022; the total number of child laborers aged 5 to 17 is showing a clear downward trend.

Programs and projects aimed at protecting children, especially those in vulnerable situations and at risk, have received attention, investment, and the mobilization of social resources for support. The work of protecting, intervening in, and safeguarding abused children, children at risk of violence, exploitation, abandonment, and children in vulnerable situations has been gradually improved, strictly adhering to legal regulations.
Coordination among sectors, organizations, families, schools, and society in the care, education, and protection of children has been emphasized. Children in many places, including remote and disadvantaged areas, have gained access to essential support resources and received attention and care for their physical and mental well-being.

However, currently in the province, there are 13,027 children in special circumstances and 132,285 children at risk of falling into special circumstances, accounting for 14.4% of the total number of children, with 51,943 children living in poor households. This leads to difficulties in the care and protection of children, because children in special circumstances and from poor households often live in remote and isolated areas, with limited access to education and health services. The parents and guardians of children in special circumstances are often also in similar situations and lack the initiative to access support for their children. Therefore, children who are already struggling face even greater hardship and poverty.

Another factor that makes protecting and caring for children difficult is the high risk of online abuse due to widespread access to and use of technological devices. Many children overuse technological toys, become addicted to games and electronics, leading to exploitation, violence, and abuse in the online environment.
Furthermore, the awareness of the role and responsibility regarding child protection in general, and the prevention and combating of violence, abuse, trafficking of children, child delinquency, and child marriage in particular, among some Party committees, governments, the Fatherland Front, and mass organizations from the provincial to local levels is not yet complete or profound. Communication and capacity-building efforts in the field of child protection are not frequent or widespread, especially in mountainous, remote, and disadvantaged areas; the dissemination of information, education, and raising awareness among children and students about preventing drowning, violence, abuse, child marriage, and issues related to gender and adolescent psychology are still limited.

Based on the above reality, in the coming time, according to the exchange of Comrade Doan Hong Vu - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs: We will continue to improve the state management capacity regarding children; incorporate the goal of protecting, caring for and educating children into the socio-economic development programs and plans at the local level; strengthen inter-sectoral coordination, organize inter-sectoral inspections and checks on child protection, care and education, focusing on preventing accidents, injuries, drowning, violence, abuse, child marriage and malnutrition...
Departments, agencies, and localities are constantly innovating their work in disseminating and educating on legal knowledge, skills, and activities related to the implementation of children's rights and child protection to all family members, schools, and the children themselves; continuing to organize and coordinate effectively the fight against, investigation, verification, prosecution, and trial of crimes violating children's rights, violence, and abuse against children, ensuring strictness, timeliness, and targeting the right individuals.
Training and capacity building for government officials, child welfare officers at all levels, collaborators, parents, caregivers, and children to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills in child protection and the realization of children's rights.
Strengthening the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organizations in monitoring the implementation of policies and laws on protecting, caring for, and educating children; launching a nationwide movement to protect, care for, and educate children; mobilizing members to participate in detecting and reporting individuals who commit acts of violence, abuse, and exploitation against children; and expanding the model of sponsoring children in special circumstances.
Continue to maintain and expand child protection services and counseling offices in districts, cities, and towns throughout the province; replicate models and counseling points for children in the community and secondary schools; strengthen the social mobilization of activities and services in the protection, care, and education of children.