Many unaccompanied children arrive in Greece, having lost or having been separated from their parents or relatives. One of their fundamental needs is the provision of safe and adequate housing. In order to bridge gaps that are not covered in that area, METAdrasi developed a temporary foster system; safe housing in families offering the security and the integrated support they need until reunited with relatives in Europe.

This practice has been in existence for decades in other European Union countries and it has been shown that children staying with families is the optimal option for the child’s best interests. A warm hug, a tender look, a kind word, homemade food and a place at the family table, precious moments of relaxation, the sense of security… are everyday pieces missing from unaccompanied children’s life.