MPs seek action on state care shortcomings as police report serious offences involving children

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police reported serious offences involving children under state protection as parliament examined unresolved overcrowding, staffing shortages and shortcomings in specialist services on Monday. The House human rights committee sought concrete action from the authorities responsible for their care.

Specialist support and therapeutic facilities

The committee had allowed the relevant authorities one month to outline measures to tackle problems at facilities accommodating children in state care. Concerns about overcrowding and insufficient staffing had been raised at an earlier session.

Maria Kyratzi, director of social welfare services, told members that work was continuing to develop more specialised support involving professionals from several disciplines for adolescents and children living in protection facilities.

Members also considered Deputy Social Welfare Minister Tina Pavlou’s proposal to establish secure facilities providing therapeutic care for children whose needs are more complex. Kyratzi said discussions on implementing the proposal had started.

Police distinguish serious crimes from delinquency

An officer addressing the committee said police had completed a study examining juvenile delinquency. However, the officer explained that the reported incidents were being classified as criminal activity, not delinquent behaviour, because they involved robberies, arson and other serious offences.

Committee demands answers and follow-up

Committee chairman Christos Christofides, an Akel MP, criticised services for leaving questions from the preceding meeting unanswered. He warned that the committee would not accept additional delays.

Christofides said that if the next meeting again focused on theories, he would interrupt proceedings and publicly state that no work was being done.

He said members would meet again before the year ended to review progress. The committee would also seek to meet children under state protection so that members could hear their experiences directly.