Filenews 17 November 2022 - by Despina Psylou
The creation of accommodation structures for children and adolescents with conduct disorders and in need of long-term care, structures for underage pregnant women and mothers with infants under the responsibility of the state, second "House of the Child", day centres and shelters, was put to public consultation yesterday. These are projects foreseen in the State Sponsorship Scheme of the Social Welfare Services (SWS), the funding of which amounts to €28 million, with an implementation horizon until 2026. This plan was presented at an information meeting by a Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
During the presentation of the main provisions of the Plan by the Director of the SWS, Maria Kyratzi, it was clarified that the total budget amounts to €28 million. and is drawn from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility. It foresees two pillars of projects: a) The creation of Multipurpose Centers for Children and Child Care Centers (€15 million) b) The creation of residential structures for children, adolescents with conduct disorders, people with disabilities and people in need of long-term care (€13 million).
The plan includes:
A) Creation of new or upgrading / expansion of existing Multipurpose Centres for Children (aged 0-4 years & 6-13 years) and Child Care Centres (aged 0-4 years). At least 27 projects (up to a maximum of 30). The aim is to complete the first 10 projects by 31/12/2024 and another 17 by 30/06/2026. The grant amounts to 75% of the total cost, with a maximum funding amount per project of €500,000.
B) Creation of shelters for children, adolescents with conduct disorders and people in need of long-term care. At least 18 projects (up to a maximum of 20). The aim is to complete the first nine projects by 31/12/2024 and another nine by 30/06/2026. The grant amounts to 75% of the cost and can be extended up to 100% for specific categories, with a maximum funding amount per project of €500,000.
>> B1) Creation of new shelters (houses) for children aged 13-18 under the legal care of the state, mainly unaccompanied minors. Eight structures. The aim is to create the four structures by the last quarter of 2024 and the other four structures by the second quarter of 2026.
>> B2) Creation of a Specialized Home for underage pregnant women and young mothers with infants who are under the legal care of the state. A structure by the last quarter of 2024.
>> B3) Creation of Day Centers and Specialized Homes (Hostels) for adolescents with symptoms of conduct disorder and other behavioural problems. Four structures (two day centres and two hostels). Goal: One Day Centre and one Specialized Home to be prepared by the last quarter of 2024 and then the other Day Centre and Specialized Home to be prepared by the second quarter of 2026.
>> B4) Creation of a Second "House of the Child". It is a structure, aiming to be completed by the last quarter of 2024.
>> B5) Creation of new or upgrading / expansion of existing 24-hour Care Centres for adults with long-term care needs (small structures integrated into the community to accommodate up to 5 people). From four to six structures. Aim to prepare up to two structures by the last quarter of 2024 and up to four structures in the second quarter of 2026.
The possibility of a grant is provided to Non-Profit Organizations, Local Authorities and Partnerships. The deadline for submitting written comments in the context of the public consultation is 21 November 2022, while the timeframe for the implementation of the investments is until 30 June 2026.
Anthousi: At least 10 structures by 2024
The creation of at least 10 structures for infants and young children by the end of 2024 and a total of 27 by the end of 2026, was mentioned by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Anastasia Anthousi, during the public consultation.
"The new State Sponsorship Scheme of the Social Welfare Services includes the granting of state sponsorship for the creation of Multipurpose Centers for Children and Child Care Centers and care and hospitality structures for children and adolescents with behavioral disorders and adult people with long-term care needs."
As Mrs. Anthousi underlined, "through the new Scheme, an amount of €23.7 million is invested. that will be granted to Non-Governmental Organizations and Local Government Authorities, in order to implement the creation of at least 27 Multipurpose Centers for Children aged 0 to 4 years and 6 to 13 years, as well as Child Care Centers aged 0 to 4 years. With a time horizon for the completion of the program in the first half of 2026 and an intermediate goal of initially creating 10 structures by the end of 2024, our goal is to strengthen the welfare state, promoting social inclusion and prosperity. I should note that the 10 structures do not limit us, and if possible we will proceed to develop more structures."
In order to allocate resources as correctly as possible, a mapping of existing structures has already begun, by an external expert, which will highlight the areas where there are gaps in the provision of services and will help target investments where and where there is a real need.
The ultimate goal is to strengthen the social network of support for children and people with long-term care needs, he said and added that in addition to the role of the state, the assistance of institutions and organizations is also necessary.
The well-being, care and safeguarding of the rights of children, adolescents and adults in need of continuous care are an investment in the future of our country.
Priority will be given to funding for projects which:
>> Strengthen partnerships and synergies between actors to avoid fragmentation of forces and resources.
>> They propose to offer services in areas where there is a proven need/gap to be filled.
>> They propose to offer services to support mountainous, remote, deprived urban areas and other less-favoured areas.
>> They introduce innovative elements in their services through the new programs they will create.
>> They are mature projects that will ensure the completion of their implementation within the objectives / commitments of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU
What does a second "House of the Child" mean?
The horrific dimension that cases of sexual abuse of minors take on, is confirmed by the need to create a second "House of the Child". A structure that manages such incidents, ensuring the protection and well-being of victims. It provides all the necessary services under the same roof in order to avoid the re-traumatization of the child. The need for such a structure, therefore, highlights the extent of the problem in Cypriot society. It is no coincidence that the Supreme Court classifies crimes of this nature as a scourge. The frequency is evident, of course, from the complaints to the authorities, as until October 13, 2022, there were 233 for sexual abuse of minors
