"In September 2017, there were approximately 2,850 unaccompanied children (UAC) in Greece among which 1,096 were accommodated in 50 UAC shelters and 240 in 8 safe zones nationwide. Of the total of 8,987 UAC who were referred to EKKA from 1 January 2016 to 30 September 2017, 93% were boys and 7% were girls while 94% were older than 14 years old.1 During this period, there were increased reports by UAC shelter providers of mental health concerns among UAC, including stressrelated aggressive behaviour, high levels of anxiety, depression or acts of self-harm and/or increasing incidents of high-risk behaviour."
This report summarizes the outcomes of a study undertaken by researchers from the Institute of Child Health from May to July 2017 following the UNICEF’s rapid assessment of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs and services for UAC in Greece. The aims of this assessment were to evaluate issues on mental health of UAC in Greece; to map the institutional framework of child protection legislation and its efficiency; to identify good practices, possible gaps and the response of MHPSS; and to propose recommendations.