Cyprus parliamentary committee probes failures in state child care system

The House Human Rights Committee in Cyprus has held a session to address serious systemic failures regarding the protection and management of children under state care. Currently, approximately 400 minors are under state supervision, with 97 residing in institutions and the majority placed in foster homes. Concerns were raised regarding minors aged 14 to 17 involved in substance abuse, delinquency, and repeated escapes from facilities.

Committee Chairman Christos Christofidis highlighted specific failures, including a December 2025 incident involving a child locked out of a facility and the June 30, 2026, disappearance of three sisters, aged 14, 15, and 17, who were witnesses in a family abuse case and remained missing for nine days. These cases prompted a call for urgent reform to ensure the safety of vulnerable youth.

In response, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tina Pavlou acknowledged the gaps in the system. She proposed the creation of secure, 24-hour "therapeutic homes" to provide intensive mental health support for children with heightened needs. Pavlou is currently coordinating with the Ministries of Health and Education to develop a cross-departmental strategy to address these complex challenges.