The removal of a child from their family environment is considered a last resort and takes place only after all options for supporting the biological family have been exhausted. However, when no alternative exists due to serious parental inability to fulfil their role, Social Welfare Services assume responsibility for the child’s care and protection. In such cases, foster care, as a form of alternative care for children and adolescents under state responsibility, is considered the most beneficial option.
At present, 227 foster families across Cyprus cooperate with Social Welfare Services, while 347 children are placed in foster families under the parental responsibility, custody or care of the Director of Social Welfare Services.
As part of a broader modernisation of child protection services, actions are being promoted to further strengthen and upgrade the foster care system. These include modernising the legislative framework, enhancing support processes for foster parents, and implementing awareness, sensitisation and recruitment initiatives to attract new foster families.
It is noted that the bill on the treatment of children under the parental responsibility, custody or care of the Director of Social Welfare Services has already been submitted to the House of Representatives, that article-by-article discussion has been completed, and that its adoption is expected with the formation of the new Parliament.
The Director of Social Welfare Services, Maria Kyratzi, stressed to Politis the readiness of the services regarding the future of foster care:
“Offering becomes action through supporting families to take on children in need through fostering. That support simultaneously requires modernisation on equally important levels, concerning the child and the motivation of the family within the programme. Social Welfare Services are ready in these areas and their actions embrace the entire process.”
The institution in Cyprus
Foster care of children is a protective mechanism under which responsibility for a child is undertaken by a family, offering them the opportunity to grow in an environment of love and acceptance.
“Foster care is a valuable institution of care and protection for children under state responsibility,” Deputy Minister for Social Welfare Klea Papaellina told Politis.
“At the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, the continuous upgrading and strengthening of this institution is a priority, recognising the decisive role foster families play in the life and development of children. There is great respect and deep appreciation for foster parents for what they offer daily. At the same time, the contribution of specialised professionals of Social Welfare Services is particularly important, and I would like to thank them warmly for their work.”
Case management and forms of care
As explained to Politis, each case of a child under the parental responsibility, custody or care of the Director of Social Welfare Services is handled through specialised and individualised management by a multidisciplinary team. This team prepares the child’s Individual Care Plan, placing the child’s best interests at its core.
Based on this, the most appropriate form of alternative care is determined, such as foster care, child and adolescent care and protection units, or semi-independent living.
Foster care placements may last days, months or even years. The placement of a child in foster care requires specialised assessment tailored to the child’s specific characteristics, and the selection of the family is based on a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of what is in the best interest of each child.
Placement in alternative care is considered a temporary measure. The ultimate goal remains the comprehensive support of the biological family by Social Welfare Services and other relevant state services, so that the reasons for removal are eliminated and children can return to their families, where conditions allow and where it is in their best interest.
For this reason, children often maintain contact with their parents or other significant individuals, provided this is assessed to be in their best interest.
How to become a foster parent
Those interested in becoming foster parents submit a written application expressing their interest to the District Welfare Office of their area of residence. A Social Welfare officer then contacts them and begins the process of assessing their suitability, along with their ongoing training in matters related to the foster parent role.
Part of the process has been assigned to a non-governmental organisation, with corresponding state support.
Regarding suitability criteria, there are no restrictions based on demographic characteristics such as age, nationality, financial status, or whether the applicant owns or rents a home.
The main criteria for approval include:
- being an adult in good physical, mental and emotional health
- having as a primary motivation a willingness to offer love to a child who is not their own
- ensuring that any existing children are aware and prepared to share that care
- being able to cope with a range of behaviours, situations and emotions
- having patience and the ability to care for children
- providing positive experiences of stable family life
- demonstrating flexibility and high levels of understanding, tolerance and acceptance towards the child’s biological family
- having a clean criminal record and certification confirming no convictions for sexual offences involving children
The assessment process includes submission of required documentation, evaluations by a social worker and psychologist, and home visits. These aim to examine the real living conditions of prospective foster parents, the environment in which the child will be placed, and key factors relating to the applicant’s motives, intentions, goals and expectations.
Systematic, continuous and specialised training is considered essential for foster families at all stages of fostering. This prepares them to manage issues such as the placement of a child, possible reunification with the biological family when conditions allow and when it is in the child’s best interest, and other challenges associated with fostering.
Training is provided through programmes, experiential activities, educational materials, workshops and seminars.
Reflecting long-term experience, one foster parent told Politis:
“We have been a foster family for 26 years, offering love, care and protection to every child in need. Throughout these years there have certainly been challenges, but with the support of Social Welfare Services we have been able to overcome them.”
Financial assistance and support
As clarified to Politis, the maintenance costs of children under the legal care of the state are covered by Social Welfare Services, based on a decision of the Council of Ministers.
Foster families receive monthly and one-off payments to cover both basic and specific needs of the child.
A revision of allowances for the maintenance of children under state care is also under way. This includes increasing the level of benefits to reflect modern needs, as well as introducing new provisions to cover special and extraordinary needs.
The overall objective of these efforts, beyond financial support for children and existing foster families, is to attract new prospective foster families and prevent the institutionalisation of children under state care.
