The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michaelidou, referred to policies that promote social inclusion, diversity, and the equal participation of all citizens during her interview on the program “Society: MEGA Hour.”
She placed particular emphasis on child protection, stressing that every child has the right to grow up in a safe family environment. As she noted, institutional care should be a last resort, while foster care and emergency foster care are being strengthened so that more children can live in conditions of care, stability, and acceptance.
According to the data presented, the number of children living in institutions has decreased significantly in recent years, reflecting a shift toward more inclusive forms of care. At the same time, citizen participation in the foster care system is encouraged through the anynet platform and related training programs.
The Minister also referred to the Early Childhood Intervention Program, which is aimed at children with autism and developmental difficulties, offering substantial support to families and enhancing access to specialized services. Early intervention, as she noted, can play a decisive role in the development of children’s skills and their social integration.
Strengthening supported living facilities is also an important step toward an inclusive society. These facilities enable children and adults with disabilities to live within the social fabric, with the necessary support, fostering autonomy and active participation in daily life.
At the same time, the Personal Assistant program continues to expand, offering people with disabilities more opportunities for independent living and meaningful participation in society. Thousands of beneficiaries and trained personal assistants are already contributing to the creation of a more accessible and inclusive environment.
These policies highlight an approach that places people, their rights, and the need for equal opportunities at the center, regardless of age, disability, or social circumstances. Inclusion is not merely a social policy, but a prerequisite for a society that respects and values the diversity of all its members.
