Increase in missing minors from Cyprus juvenile homes raises alarms

Cyprus is grappling with a steady rise in cases of minors disappearing from juvenile homes, a long-standing issue of national welfare policy.

According to Hectoras Georgiou's article published in Kathimerini Cyprus in Greek, official data reveal that the number of such cases reported so far in 2024 has already doubled compared to 2021, highlighting serious flaws in the state’s juvenile care system. Since these minors are under the state’s guardianship while housed in juvenile facilities, lawmakers argue that the responsibility falls squarely on state agencies to ensure their safety.

In recent parliamentary discussions, lawmakers from various parties have raised concerns, emphasizing the need for reforms. AKEL MP and Chair of the Committee on Labor, Welfare, and Social Insurance Andros Kafkalias, along with Fotini Tsiridou from the Democratic Rally, spoke to K and urged immediate action to address the understaffing of Social Welfare Services (SWS). Andria Matthaiou, head of the Equality Guild's Social Services Workers Branch, added that outdated legislation is further impeding the effective operation of SWS programs.

Parliament demands action

The situation of juvenile housing facilities was discussed extensively on October 8 in the Committee on Labor, Welfare, and Social Insurance. During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Welfare Marilena Evangelou faced pointed questions from committee members, who demanded an assessment of current facilities to gauge the scope of the problems. Committee members highlighted SWS understaffing and burnout among officers, leading to frequent resignations and compromised child care. Legislators also urged modernization of outdated legal frameworks, to which Evangelou responded that the updated Children’s Law is set to be presented in Parliament by the end of October.

Lawmakers further probed what happens when children “age out” of juvenile facilities at 18, prompting a discussion about support programs. Evangelou noted a cooperative program allowing university-bound minors to have their tuition covered, though the scope of such support remains limited. Concerns also arose over cases of staff violence and whether facilities offer tailored services to meet minors' unique needs.

“The welfare of minors in state care is a critical issue, and it’s clear the government is failing to fulfill its obligations,” Kafkalias said, confirming the committee will revisit the issue in January. Tsiridou added that institutionalization should be a last resort, with many families eager to foster children but hindered by outdated regulations. She also called for improved coordination between ministries involved in juvenile welfare.

Staffing deficits and overburdened social workers

Juvenile housing facilities, intended to provide a safe haven for children from vulnerable backgrounds, are struggling to meet these needs. According to Matthaiou, antiquated laws and chronic understaffing are worsening conditions in the facilities. She noted that without enough social workers on-site, minors lack meaningful relationships with staff, who are stretched thin across multiple cases. In Nicosia, for example, four social workers are responsible for over 80 children, spanning foster families, family violence cases, and residential facilities. Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta face similar staff shortages, exacerbating the problem.

Allegations of abuse and crime following facility fire

A recent fire at a juvenile facility in Paphos exposed troubling allegations. Paphos Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos claimed instances of drug trafficking, prostitution, and other criminal activities within the facility. While police previously investigated similar claims without finding evidence, unverified reports continue to raise alarm about possible exploitation of minors in these homes. The Deputy Ministry of Welfare maintains that past investigations turned up no findings but has requested further probes into recurring accusations.

Growing need for reforms

Speaking to K in 2022, former Deputy Minister of Welfare Anastasia Anthoussi underscored the need for psychologists and child psychiatrists in these facilities, an unresolved issue to date. Anonymous sources indicated that some staff have inadequate qualifications, placing additional strain on the system and raising ethical concerns about the quality of care.

Disappearance cases of minors continue to mount, with 85 incidents already recorded in 2024, far surpassing the 35 cases reported in 2021. These troubling statistics demand that authorities investigate the root causes and enhance safety in juvenile homes.

Updated protocols for missing minors

In response to a high-profile case involving missing minors, Cyprus police have implemented revised protocols for missing person cases. Social workers serving as guardians are to alert the police immediately if a minor goes missing. Authorities then evaluate the level of risk and notify relatives, check potential locations, and conduct investigations if minors are found to have been involved in illegal activities.

Incidents of missing minors on the rise

Despite new protocols, disappearances from juvenile facilities have steadily increased:

2021: 35 cases

2022: 89 cases

2023: 94 cases

2024: 85 cases (as of October)

This troubling trend has heightened calls for an overhaul of juvenile care facilities, with officials and advocacy groups urging reforms to address the gaps that leave minors vulnerable. K attempted to reach the Deputy Ministry of Welfare for comment but received no response.