Greece reduces number of children in institutional care by over 50%

Greece has seen a significant reduction in the number of children living in institutional care facilities. According to Domna Michailidou, the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, the number of minors in Child Protection Units has dropped to 965, down from approximately 2,200 recorded in 2019/2020.

Minister Michailidou noted that prior to 2019, the state lacked a complete and accurate picture of how many children were living in institutions and what their specific needs were. The implementation of a systematic registration mechanism was a primary step in addressing this issue.

The government's deinstitutionalization policy focused on accelerating foster care and adoption processes, as well as creating new opportunities for adolescents and children with disabilities. The ministry aims to transition children from institutional settings into family environments, stating the goal is “no child in an institution. Every child in a family.”