The department will set up a temporary resettlement shelter for the children cared for by Yuan as well as providing physical tests and psychological guidance for the youngsters.

The director said the department hopes the children will be willing to move into a publicly funded home.

A staff member inspects the fire accident site in Lankao county, Central China's Henan province, Jan. 4, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Henan-based reporter who interviewed Yuan in 2006 said Yuan's decision to care for the children has aroused controversy in local media and among residents.

On the one hand, Yuan has been kind in providing a place for the youngsters to live, but on the other hand, some people have argued that she has been using the youngsters to cheat on public donations and the basic living allowance from the government, the reporter said.

Yuan once refused an offer from the local government, which suggested it should take care of the children, the reporter added.

Contact the writers at xiangmingchao@chinadaily.com.cn and zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn

Shi Baoyin and Zhang Leilong in Zhengzhou also contributed to this story.