Child Protection in Mediterranean Countries: Italy and Greece

Abstract

This chapter explores the child protection systems in Italy and Greece. Both countries have to deal with immigrant children due to the conflict between the rights of minors and immigration laws on control and defense. In Italy, the child protection system is the result of a patchwork of norms and regulations addressing different societal demands and pressures. Family and cash-transfers are fundamental factors in Italy’s child welfare system. Greece, on the other hand, has adopted fragmented measures and policies connected with financial benefits, income support, social security, social care for disabled people, and rehabilitation for children at risk. The chapter also notes how the 2010 financial crisis affected the Greek child protection system.