A horrific child abuse case in Vietnam underscores the need for that country to improve its child welfare system, according to this Time magazine article.

Nguyen Hoang Anh, 14, was branded, had his teeth pulled out and solvents poured in his wounds by a couple who employed him on a shrimp farm. The couple was recently sentenced to more than 20 years in prison and the case has raised public awareness about child abuse in Vietnam.

 “We don’t consider beating a child to be violence against children,” said Nguyen Hai Huu, director of the Ministry for Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’ child-protection unit.

Vietnam recently recognized the social work profession and has launched a push to overhaul its social support system over the next decade.

The National Association of Social Workers  has a Human Rights and International Affairs Division that helps engage members with social work efforts around the globe. To learn more, click here.