Guardianship Experiences of Unaccompanied Children in Cyprus

This paper is concerned with the guardianship and protection of unaccompanied children in Cyprus. A qualitative research inquiry was implemented to collect data from policy makers, service managers, practitioners and children. The results revealed that the relevant legislation has been fragmented and scattered in a number of laws, government decrees, ministerial directives and circulars lacking coordination and unity. Furthermore, there are no comprehensive guidelines for their standardized implementation, often resulting in different interpretation of guidelines and extreme heterogeneity of practices and procedures application. In this light the acting role of social work practice within the current child protection system is discussed as an attempt to place the background for reflection and change in the future for both social services provision and social workers’ role. Both policy and practice changes are required as to promote a safe environment for children.