Cyprus launches 31 million euro social services restructuring plan

The Cypriot Ministry of Social Welfare has initiated a comprehensive restructuring plan for the Social Welfare Services (SWS) with a total budget of 31 million euros. The project is being implemented as part of the “THALIA 2021-2027” cohesion policy program, co-funded by the European Union, with the goal of modernizing the state's social welfare framework.

The reform aims to improve child protection, enhance support for vulnerable groups, and streamline citizen services. The initiative covers the entire operational scope of the SWS, including organizational structures, administrative processes, intervention mechanisms, and daily operational tools. This overhaul is considered essential due to the increasing complexity and volume of social needs, as the department currently manages more than 40 distinct social protection and support programs.

The existing infrastructure of the Social Welfare Services currently spans a central office, five district welfare offices, eight local offices, and 23 additional service points. By upgrading these systems, the government seeks to create a more efficient, human-centric, and effective social welfare system capable of responding to evolving societal challenges.