No matter how many policies we adopt or how many reforms we plan, the essence of social care lies in the selfless dedication of foster families, and foster parents transform our policies into acts of humanity, said President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides on Monday evening in a speech at the Presidential Palace during an event honoring foster families.
President Christodoulides said that foster families become a refuge and a source of hope for children who need a second chance in the warmth of a family home; They form a bond with a child and invest in that child’s life without knowing from the start how long their journey together will last.
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“Truly, it takes tremendous emotional strength to give so meaningfully. The value of what you give, however, is not limited to the time the child spends with you. Rest assured that what you share will stay with the child throughout their life, even when their daily routine changes. “You remain the family that stood by them when they needed you most,” he said, addressing the families.
The President of the Republic added that the government’s social policy is not limited to numbers and benefits but is measured by the impact we have on the lives of every citizen and, above all, on our children, who are the future of our country.
He reiterated that a key priority is the radical modernization and strengthening of the institutional framework for the protection of every child, with a focus on ensuring their right to grow up in a safe, supportive, and loving family environment.
“Your meaningful contribution to the lives of children also reinforces our own responsibility to strengthen the institutional framework that protects their rights and meets your needs as foster parents,” he said.
The President referred to the bill submitted to Parliament to improve the treatment and protection of children in the care of the Director of Social Welfare Services, as well as to theto modernize and update maintenance allowances for children in care, so that state support meets real, contemporary needs.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child at risk of poverty or social exclusion has equal access to quality care, education, health care, and housing. For our administration, for us, the fight against social inequalities begins in childhood, and within this framework, strengthening the foster care system is the most essential guarantee for the protection and well-being of our children,” she emphasized.
A Secure Bond for Children’s Development, Said the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare
A child’s mental and emotional development relies on the creation of a secure emotional bond, and the bond that develops within a foster family gives the child the sense that they have their own place in the lives of certain people, that they are part of a shared daily routine and are an important part of it, said Tina Pavlou, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, in her remarks.
She emphasized that no institution, no matter how well-organized it may be or how capable and dedicated its staff may be, can replace the healing power of a family in a family environment.
“It is you, the foster parents, who carry out this important social work with dedication and selflessness on a daily basis. You open your homes—and above all, you open your hearts. You provide daily care to children who have found themselves at very difficult crossroads; you offer an unconditional embrace; you give without expecting anything in return,” she said, addressing the foster parents.
She described their contribution as a daily expression of responsibility toward every child in need of family care and assured them that the Deputy Ministry would continue to strengthen the institutions and foster care support programs, paying close attention to every challenge and every need, with the goal of improving the framework for managing children in care.
Referring to the bill submitted to Parliament, the Deputy Minister said that this is a very important step aimed, among other things, to modernize the existing legislative framework, strengthening the services provided, and ensuring transparency—always with the child’s best interests in mind.
He explained that the transition to adulthood is being institutionalized, with the possibility of extending support and care until the age of 21, continuation of collaboration with relevant professionals after reaching adulthood is established for the purposes of support, vocational training, and social integration, and the financial assistance program for individuals who were formerly in foster care is established by law.
Efforts are also being made to modernize the payment of child support grants to foster families to meet the children’s current needs.
Source: CNA
