The House’s Committee on Labour convened to discuss, among other matters, shortcomings in the foster care system, raising concerns about a lack of support for transitioning youth, meagre allowances for foster parents, and a legislative gap.
Over 1,500 children are under state guardianship, with 65% placed in foster care. 1,200 of them are unaccompanied minors.
‘Love Nest (Folia Agapis)’ Foster Family Association highlighted a legislative logjam. A draft bill, initially proposed in 2018 and approved by the Cabinet in 2023, is undergoing renewed consultations.
The association also criticised the €529 monthly allowance for semi-independent young adults, deeming it insufficient for rent, utilities, and basic necessities. ‘With the rising cost of living, the money does not stretch far enough. These are children of the state, and they deserve a dignified standard of living,’ they added.
When they turn 18, they apply for the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI), but it takes six months for their application to be approved. ‘If it weren’t for us, they would be left hungry and homeless. We have a case where a child went six months without food and income. There needs to be a system in place to directly enrol them in the GMI scheme,’ they argued.
The scientific director of SPAVO (Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family) noted during the discussion that they handle around 500 cases per year of children who arrive at their shelters with their mothers as victims of domestic violence.
She pointed out that in many of these cases, the children are placed in foster care, and the possibility of their prompt return to their biological mother seems unlikely.
‘It’s as if the victim is being punished,’ she stressed, adding that the biological family has been sidelined. The goal of foster care should always be reunification with the biological parents.
She concluded with emphasising that foster parents must also be equipped to handle these challenges. ‘We need to promote and support professional fostering. In other countries, there is a preparation process for both the children and the foster families,’ she suggested.
On behalf of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights echoed concerns about the legislative gap and underscored the need to regulate the responsibilities of all stakeholders.
It was noted that children themselves reported issues accessing Social Welfare Services due to understaffing. The limited number of foster families, particularly for children with disabilities, adds another layer of complexity.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Administration, it was noted that they support the strengthening of the institution of foster families.
The Social Welfare Services (SWS) acknowledged the outdated legislation (last updated in 2009) and clarified that a revised bill is undergoing legal review.
The bill aims to address various issues, including safeguarding children’s rights, establishing alternative care arrangements with biological families, and providing support for transitioning youth through scholarships.
Increased allowances for foster families are also under consideration.
Committee Chair Andreas Kafkalias called for an expedited legal review and indicated that the Committee will revisit the topic in the autumn.
