GREECE
An individual needs assessment is conducted
in all cases of unaccompanied and separated
children. Children receive comprehensive
information on the national legal framework,
procedures and services, are actively involved
in decision-making processes that affect their
lives and participate in the development of their
individual plans. Where families are concerned,
a family plan is prepared following a needs
assessment and in consultation with all family
members.
Cooperation with and referral to the author-
ities is a key element of the practice. All cases
are referred to the National Centre for Social
Solidarity which is responsible for placing
unaccompanied and separated children and
other vulnerable groups in appropriate accom-
modation facilities. In cases of unaccompanied
and separated children, the Public Prosecutor
for Minors, which acts as a provisional guardian
for all unaccompanied and separated children
in Greece, is duly informed.
The local community is actively engaged in the
project activities: community members provide
material support to those in need or refer home-
less families and unaccompanied and separated
children to ARSIS.
All staff receive training on child protection
and other specialised guidance in their field
of expertise and area of work. Training is
provided by ARSIS in cooperation with other
partner organisations, including the UNHCR.
All members of the project team also receive
professional supervision and specialist support
from an ARSIS case manager. The team also
holds dedicated meetings with the protection
unit of the UNCHR when necessary to discuss
the case management of particularly vulnerable
and complex cases.
All cases are referred to the ARSIS social
services and youth centre, which provi