Slovakia proposes new laws to combat truancy and benefit misuse

Slovak Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Family Erik Tomáš has announced a new legislative package aimed at combating truancy, fictitious foster care, and the misuse of child benefits. The proposal, which is scheduled for submission to the government next week, seeks to increase parental accountability and ensure social funds are used effectively.

To address truancy, the legislation introduces a three-month period where child benefits are paid to a special recipient, such as a municipality, rather than the parents. If the child's school attendance does not improve after this period, the benefits will be suspended for an additional three months, with further extensions possible if the issue persists. The plan also targets administrative offenses within school management.

Regarding social welfare, the ministry intends to prevent the misuse of benefits by foreigners from third countries whose children do not reside in Slovakia. Additionally, social services will conduct quarterly checks to ensure children in foster care are actually living in the designated households. Minister Tomáš noted that between 2007 and the present, between 1.5 and 2 billion euros have been spent on Roma community projects, yet significant results have not materialized, necessitating these stricter measures.