The Chinese Government has formulated a plan to train 1.45 million social workers by 2020.

"By the end of 2015, licensed social workers will total 500,000, and another 950,000 will be added during 2016-20," Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo told Xinhua News Agency on May 9, citing the long-term plan (2011-20) for developing a national social work system.

China currently has 320 colleges with undergraduate programs in social work and 60 colleges and academies offer master's degrees in social work. At present only 20,000 social workers graduate every year.

More than 600 private social work institutions are operating in China, providing services in fields concerning people's livelihoods, national unity, community services and criminal rectification, figures from the China Association of Social Workers show.

According to the plan, social service-oriented communities and government organizations should first consider qualified social workers when recruiting staff. They will also be given preference when applying for public servant posts with governments at all levels.