China has almost 600 orphanages of various kinds, which are taking care of more than 54,000 orphans or infants abandoned by their parents for different reasons.
However, a recent survey by the Ministry of Civil Affairs shows that orphans are more willing to live with a family. The children surveyed said they want to stay with step-parents rather than return to orphanages.
(eastday.com January 10, 2004)
