Family and child welfare policies in Greece and Cyprus

In Greece, the government has implemented a deinstitutionalization policy aimed at transitioning minors from Child Protection Units into family environments. Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou reported that the number of children in institutional care has decreased from approximately 2,200 in 2019/2020 to 965. This initiative focused on improving registration mechanisms and accelerating foster care and adoption processes.

Further legislative efforts in Greece include a parliamentary report submitted by Giorgos Kotzos to Vice President Kostis Hatzidakis. The proposal seeks to support large families through tax relief, teacher recruitment quotas, and the recognition of maternity time for pension purposes.

In Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides has introduced measures to address demographic challenges. These include 300 million euros in housing plans for young citizens, increased childbirth grants, and expanded child benefits. The Cypriot administration has also extended maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks and removed income criteria for certain benefits for families with five or more children.