An In Depth Look At Greece’s Child Protection System

Abstract

This study investigates the institutional, social, and emotional challenges faced by three groups within the child protection system: youth care leavers, institution workers, and satellite workers. This was done under the lens of Goffman’s theory of Total Institutions and General & Classic Strain Theory. The participants were gathered from mainland Greece, Athens, and the island of Crete. The research exposes considerable emotional and social stress caused by abrupt changes in freedom, trauma from institutionalization, and inadequate support networks for youth care leavers. Satellite workers battled with resource shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies, while institution staff claimed emotional exhaustion from extensive administrative work and little training. The findings underscore systemic problems within the child protection system, revealing pervasive emotional and psychological suffering exacerbated by a lack of supportive infrastructure. To improve the well-being of care recipients and caregivers, this study highlights the urgent need for institutional reforms, improved resource distribution, and a caring, proactive approach. Subsequent investigations must examine this complex matter from several disciplinary perspectives in order achieve an accurate understanding of the challenges and possible remedies.