On May 7, 2025, the Department of Health of Tien Giang province conducted a significant oversight meeting with the People's Committee of Tan Phuoc district to monitor the implementation of social assistance policies aimed at social protection beneficiaries in the area. This initiative was led by Deputy Director Nguyen Thi My Nuong and included discussions with local officials, notably Vice Chairwoman Do Thi Thu Trang of the district's People's Committee.
The oversight team began their day with a field visit to Hung Thanh commune, where they examined the execution of social assistance policies for beneficiaries. They closely observed the operations of the Disability Assessment Council and reviewed records related to the implementation of these social assistance policies, including documentation for disability assessments.
According to the report presented by the People's Committee of Tan Phuoc district, from July 2024 to April 2025, a total of 3,290 individuals benefited from regular social assistance within the community. This group included 8 orphaned children, 4 individuals living with HIV from poor households, 26 single individuals from impoverished or near-impoverished households, 932 elderly persons, 1,842 disabled individuals, and 478 caregivers for those with severe disabilities.
This monitoring effort aims to evaluate the effectiveness of social assistance policies for vulnerable groups in the district, understand the practical implementation of these policies, and identify any challenges that may arise. It also seeks to propose solutions and recommendations for improving the organization and execution of these initiatives in the future.
In a parallel initiative, Lang Son province has announced plans for a comprehensive program in 2025 that aims to provide social assistance and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from mental illness, autism, and other mental disorders. This program is ambitious, with goals set to ensure that 80% of individuals with mental health issues and children with autism have access to necessary medical services.
The plan outlines that 70% of children from birth to 6 years old will undergo early screening for autism spectrum disorders and receive timely interventions. Furthermore, 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder who are of preschool and primary school age will have access to educational opportunities, and 60% of individuals with mental health challenges will receive career guidance support.
Additionally, it is projected that 60% of individuals at high risk of mental illness, including those suffering from depression and other mental disorders, will receive counseling, psychological therapy, and social rehabilitation services. To ensure the success of this program, approximately 60% of officials and social workers involved in mental health care will undergo training to enhance their skills.
The activities outlined in this plan focus on medical assistance, educational support, vocational training, and social rehabilitation, while also emphasizing the importance of public awareness and community engagement. Local authorities are urged to implement these plans diligently and report any challenges to the provincial government.
Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Center of Phu Yen province has been actively involved in promoting legal assistance and enhancing legal awareness among residents in the mountainous regions. In a recent first-instance trial, K Pa Lai and La Mo Thi Phiem, an ethnic minority couple from Xuan Quang 1 commune, were prosecuted for forest destruction, facing penalties ranging from 7 to 15 years in prison under Article 243 of the Penal Code.
The couple had cleared 27,400 square meters of forest in a protected area to cultivate rice and acacia, leading to environmental damage valued at over 163 million VND. Despite the legal ramifications of their actions, the underlying issues of poverty, illiteracy, and lack of legal knowledge played a significant role in their decision-making process.
Legal aid provider Ngo Tan Hai, who represented the couple, highlighted the context of their actions, stating, "We recognized that while their actions were illegal, they stemmed from extreme hardship and a lack of understanding of the law. They believed they were merely clearing land for cultivation to improve their lives. We had to explain the legal implications in the simplest terms to ensure they understood the consequences of their actions and their rights to legal protection."
During the trial, mitigating circumstances such as their first offense, genuine remorse, and voluntary compensation for damages were presented, leading to K Pa Lai receiving a sentence of 3 years of suspended imprisonment and La Mo Thi Phiem receiving 2 years and 6 months, both with a probation period of 5 years. They were also ordered to compensate the environmental damage caused.
This case underscores the importance of legal aid in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations. The success of this trial not only reflects the effectiveness of legal assistance in safeguarding legal rights but also highlights the challenges faced by residents in mountainous areas of Phu Yen, where access to legal information and services is limited.
As the Legal Aid Center continues to engage with these communities, efforts will be made to raise awareness about the right to free legal assistance and to bridge the gap between legal services and those in need. In the first quarter of 2025, the center participated in 77 criminal cases, with 55 cases directly managed by legal aid providers.
However, obstacles remain, including a lack of awareness among residents about their rights to free legal aid and the psychological barriers that prevent them from seeking legal assistance. Language barriers and disparities in educational levels between the population and legal professionals also complicate the process of legal education and guidance.
In conclusion, the ongoing initiatives in Tien Giang and Lang Son provinces, alongside the efforts of the Legal Aid Center in Phu Yen, reflect a commitment to enhancing social assistance and legal support for vulnerable populations. These programs aim not only to provide immediate relief but also to empower individuals through education and access to necessary services, ultimately fostering a more just and equitable society.
