Half of the 2.2 million prisoners that have been released in China over the last three years have received help and education in local communities, according to the vice-minister of justice.

Hao Chiyong said local governments had been asked to visit neighborhood committees, families of ex-convicts, relatives and neighbors to help them solve any problems and offer psychological counseling.

"More than one million ex-convicts have not gone back to their hometown so local governments cannot trace their life after they leave prison," said Hao.

Chen Jiping, deputy director of the Central Committee for Comprehensive Management of Public Security (CCCMPS), said a database of released prisoners would be set up to help local public security departments trace, help and educate released prisoners.

"The treatment of ex-convicts is an important reference point in assessing the performance of local governments aiming to reduce the re-offending rate," said Chen.

Editor: Wing