HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has approved a target programme to develop a social support system for the 2016-20 period.

The  programme is aimed to create a safe, friendly and healthy living environment for children and reduce the rate of increase in the number of abused children.

Some VNĐ10.2 trillion (US$456.2 million) will be funded for four projects -- developing a social support system for vulnerable people, children protection system, implementation of national gender equality targets, and a system of support services for drug addicts, sex workers and victims of trafficking.

This programme aims to develop and improve the quality of social assistance services for the vulnerable in the direction of international integration and create a safe, friendly and healthy living environment for children, reducing the gender gap in areas, sectors, regions and localities that are witnessing gender inequality or are at high risk of gender inequality.

It also includes improving the quality and effectiveness of drug detoxification programmes, raising public awareness on prostitution prevention and supporting trafficking victims back home to maintain social security and order towards the goals of justice and sustainable socio-economic development.

The programme also strives to raise the rate of non-public social services by 2020 to 55 per cent; improve professional qualification and skills training for 30 per cent of cadres, civil servants, employees and social collaborators; 80 per cent of children in special circumstances receive support and care to recover and integrate into the community and have opportunities for development; and reduce the rate of increase in the number of abused children.

It plans to support and intervene in the case of 90 per cent of children at high risk of harm or children who are harmed; and 90 per cent of children in special circumstances that are managed and monitored.

At least 70 per cent of female deputies of the XIV National Assembly, people’s councils at all levels of the 2016-21 period, female managers and leaders will be equipped with knowledge about gender equality, management skills, leadership and soft skills.

According to the programme, 50 per cent of violence victims will have access to support services; 50 per cent of those who commit acts of violence or are at risk of violence will be identified and counseled; 90 per cent of drug addicts will be taken into compulsory rehabilitation establishments; 90 per cent of communes and wards will be provided information about the prevention and fight against prostitution; and 90 per cent of trafficking victims will be identified, counseled, supported and cared for. — VNS