**€31 Million Reform to Modernize Cyprus’ Social Welfare Services**
The government of Cyprus has announced a significant €31 million reform aimed at the comprehensive modernization of the country's Social Welfare Services. This initiative, which was detailed by department director Maria Kyratzi on Wednesday, seeks to enhance the functioning of these services and elevate the overall social protection system in Cyprus.
The reform is part of the Thalia 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Programme and is co-financed by the European Union. Its core objectives include promoting social cohesion, ensuring equality of opportunity, and safeguarding a decent quality of life for all citizens. Kyratzi emphasized that the changes will impact every aspect of the Social Welfare Services, including their structures, procedures, and the tools used by professionals in the field.
With more than 500 professionals currently employed in the Social Welfare Services, the need for reform has become increasingly urgent. The rise in social needs and the complexity of cases handled by these services have highlighted the necessity for a more effective and responsive social protection system. The reform aims to address these challenges by creating a people-centered approach capable of meeting the growing demands of society.
A particular focus of the reform will be on child protection and support for vulnerable groups. The initiative plans to institutionalize central and district multidisciplinary teams, which will consist of professionals from various disciplines. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure comprehensive assessment and management of complex social cases, especially those involving vulnerable children and families.
In addition to strengthening child protection, the reform will introduce escort and mentor services. These services will provide additional support to vulnerable children, whether they remain in their family environment or are placed under state care. The deputy ministry has also been working with other governmental departments, including education, justice, and health, to develop a national strategy and action plan for child protection. This strategy is expected to be finalized by the end of 2029.
Another key component of the reform is the Neighbourhood Social Worker program, which aims to bring social services closer to citizens and improve early intervention at the local level. Following a successful pilot phase, this program is set to expand across Cyprus through partnerships with municipalities and community clusters. The initiative is designed to create a local support network that can quickly identify and assist individuals and families in need of psychosocial support.
The Neighbourhood Social Worker program also facilitates the development of tailored social intervention programs that address the specific challenges faced by different communities. By conducting community assessments, local authorities can better understand and quantify local needs, allowing for the design of programs that are responsive to the diverse requirements of each area.
Furthermore, the reform includes plans for the digital modernization of the Social Welfare Services. A new information system will be introduced to streamline operations and improve service delivery. This digital upgrade is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided to citizens.
Overall, the €31 million reform represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Cyprus' Social Welfare Services. By focusing on modernization, collaboration, and community engagement, the initiative aims to create a robust social protection system that meets the needs of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. As the implementation progresses, the government anticipates that these changes will lead to improved outcomes for individuals and families across the nation.