China's first temporary shelter for children in plight will be built in Shanghai to protect those whose parents fail to fulfill their obligations.

"We will first accept kids abandoned or abused when their parents are being criminally prosecuted and will have a specialized welfare home for them in probably two years," said Xu Jun, director of the civil affairs bureau's social department in Changning district.

The shelter will be opened in a new social assistance center, which will be put into use in April, Xu said.