Each SOS Children’s Village provides alternative care and support in a family-like environment for children who have lost their parents or cannot remain in the care of their biological family. Boys and girls of different ages live and grow together in an SOS Children’s Village, in families consisting of 4 to 6 children. Children growing up in an SOS Children’s Village attend local schools and participate in sports and recreational activities within the wider community.
For a child to be placed in an SOS Children’s Village, a Prosecutor’s Order from the competent Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office is required, following the completion of the child’s medical and developmental assessments at a public hospital. Additionally, a written request from the Social Service of the area where the biological family resides is needed, and, if possible, a written request from the family itself.
In each home of an SOS Children’s Village, a family of 4–6 children of different ages grows up together. Biological siblings live together in the same family.
At SOS Children’s Villages, we believe that maintaining contact between children and their biological parents is very important. Our primary goal is to create a stable framework for the child to interact with their biological family, provided that basic conditions are met.
There is no specific age at which a child must leave or stop receiving care from SOS Children’s Villages. Typically, a child is supported by the organization until we ensure they are adequately prepared morally, socially, and professionally to take charge of their life and move forward independently.
In general, it is possible to make a short visit to an SOS Children’s Village. Because the well-being of the children is our top priority, we kindly ask potential visitors to any of the SOS Children’s Villages to contact the Village beforehand before planning a visit.
Our primary goal is to maintain the children’s bonds with their biological family, whether this leads to a future reunion or if they are placed in another family care setting (Foster Care).
The care of each child is individualized. Taking into account their specific needs, interests, and abilities, a personal development plan is created that includes organizing daily routines, supporting academic performance, safeguarding mental and physical health, socialization activities, managing free time, and other specialized therapeutic and supportive interventions. The child is always encouraged to express their views and participate in this process.
The primary aim of care for each child is to achieve, as quickly as possible, their placement in a family environment (reunion with their biological family or foster care) and to provide ongoing support in all areas, with the goal of fostering independence and social integration.
Volunteering is very important to us. For more information, please visit the «Become a Volunteer» page.
There are some basic requirements for a woman to work as an SOS Mother at SOS Children’s Villages. The candidate should be between 35 and 50 years old, must not have minor children under her care, and should have at least a high school diploma. There are several stages leading up to the final selection of a candidate. At each stage, the evaluation is mutual: the candidate assesses the work of SOS Children’s Villages, while we evaluate her skills, abilities, and mental and physical health.
Yes. After the interview stage, conducted by psychologists, candidates undergo a week-long training in which SOS Children’s Villages professionals cover various topics related to the care, support, and development of the children supported by our organization. The training provides a deeper understanding of the job roles and the framework for collaboration among professionals. Candidates who meet the basic requirements and successfully complete the training then undertake a paid internship in one of the SOS Children’s Villages programs.
There are many ways you can support our work, from providing specific items we need to making a financial donation to cover part of a child’s annual living expenses. Every donation is invaluable to us, as our work relies entirely on the contributions of individuals, companies, and organizations. For more information, please visit the “Make a Donation” page.
Families with children who are documented as belonging to vulnerable social and economic groups in the broader area of each Center can receive services from the Child and Family Support Centers.
The support plan (for parents and children) is individualized. As a preventive program, each intervention has a set duration, which cannot exceed 2 years.
For information regarding the prerequisites (documents, procedures) required for a new family to join the program, you can contact the local Child and Family Support Center.
Foster care involves children who are not expected to be adopted, either because they may return to their biological family, have pending legal matters, or face health issues. In foster care, parental responsibility remains with the organization (e.g., SOS Children’s Villages), whereas in adoption, parental responsibility is transferred to the adoptive parents.
First, an application must be submitted to the relevant Regional Authority for approval as a Foster Parent. Next, the prospective foster parent must upload all required documents on the website www.anynet.gr Following a social assessment and training, the candidate is approved as a Foster Parent, registered in the National Foster Parent Registry, and a child from a care facility may be proposed to them. Neither the foster parent nor the facility is obliged to “match” with a specific child, but the foster parent cannot refuse to accept a child more than three times.
SOS Children’s Villages has actively supported the foster care system for many years, viewing it as a key tool in the effort toward deinstitutionalization in Greece, where we are pioneers. We have established the SOS Foster Care Service and operate the SOS Infant Home, primarily aimed at placing children in foster care. We also collaborate with public institutions to improve both the quality and availability of foster care in Greece. At the same time, we are in the process of transforming our care structures to align with the new Foster Care Law.
Yes, a family can do so, provided that, according to the law, they have been approved as Foster Parents and positively assessed for a specific child by our Foster Care Service.
