Based on qualitative research of the experiences of 23 kin caregivers and five school personnel, this article explores the role of informal kinship care in addressing the needs of school-age children left behind in rural China. The findings of this study suggest that kin caregivers' child-rearing capacity is limited in the rural context, and they are often overwhelmed by children's diverse and complex needs, particularly their emotional ones. In view of the huge population and their vulnerability, it is imperative for the state to take up its responsibilities and develop specific social work services and other support for children left behind and their families.

根據對23位親屬照顧者和5位學校人員的質性研究，文章探討在處理中國留守學齡兒童的需要時，非正式親屬照料所擔當的角色。研究發現，在農村的親屬照料者的撫養兒童能力有限，而且他們時常在面對兒童眾多復雜的需求時應接不暇，問題又以情緒需要尤甚。有見於留守兒童的數目眾多和易受傷害，政府急切需要承擔相關的責任，為留守兒童及其家庭發展專門的社會工作服務和其他支援。

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