A regulation to protect kids in Shanghai from incompetent parents takes effect today.

It covers minors under 18 at risk because their parents or guardians are absent or unable to look after them properly. Incompetence includes abuse, abandonment, and forcing children to beg or commit criminal acts.

“The regulation establishes a joint working mechanism and involves a number of government authorities as well as schools, kindergartens and medical institutions because these children are spotted in various venues like schools, hospitals and even streets,” said Tao Jiming, director of Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau’s social welfare department.