The institutional framework and financial support provided by the state in cases of foster care minors was presented to the Parliament by Domna Michailidou.
“Starting in 2022, we have also provided for an allowance for taking on foster care, which is 525 euros per month until the child reaches adulthood, in addition to the other support measures provided,” said Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michaelidou, in response to the Urgent Question posed by the Freedom Movement MP, Elli Rousou, regarding the issue raised by the aunt and grandmother of two minors children of the murdered 39-year-old Vasiliki in Kalamata, who had stated that they did not have the financial means to take them into foster care.
The minister stated that today there are 300 urgent foster care placements for children throughout the country, while by 2026 we will have 59 emergency foster care placements, of which 28 are emergency foster care placements with relatives.
Regarding the case in Kalamata, Ms. Michailidou said that the aunt has been informed about the support she will receive from the government to help her cope with these extremely difficult circumstances. Specifically regarding her relocation to be near the two girls and how she will be able to live there, as well as the sustainability of the financial support she will receive (a total of 1,050 euros per month, at least until the two girls reach adulthood) for this emergency foster care.
At the same time, she will also receive all services for psychosocial support for the children, as well as any other benefits to which she is entitled, based on her income situation, preferential benefits to which they are entitled, such as A21, the housing allowance as well as all other benefits pertaining to single-person households.
Ms. Michailidou stated that her aunt could not be informed until the custody decision was issued by the competent prosecutor, that is, before the municipal social services assessed a safe and suitable family environment for the children. Once temporary parental custody was granted by the prosecutor’s office, she was informed of all the support measures provided by the state.
