Protection of Children in State Care in Cyprus: SPAO’s Institutional Intervention and Policy Recommendations

On 13 August 2026, the Social Policy and Action Organization (SPAO), together with a group of independent citizens, submitted a formal institutional intervention to the competent authorities in Cyprus concerning the protection, rights and well-being of children living in state care institutions, including children’s residential homes and adolescent shelters.

The intervention calls for an immediate and independent investigation into reported concerns, alongside a comprehensive assessment of the institutional, legislative and operational frameworks governing state child protection facilities.

SPAO puts forward recommendations aimed at strengthening safeguarding standards, independent monitoring, accountability, trauma-informed care, professional competencies, children’s participation and access to safe and confidential complaints mechanisms.

The intervention is accompanied by an annex outlining the relevant legislative and institutional frameworks and identifying areas requiring independent evaluation.

Date: 13 August 2026