The Children’s Rights Commissioner, Elena Perikleous, stresses the importance of improving support for new parents. This comes after a recent case where a three-month-old boy was hospitalized with Shaken Baby Syndrome.
She explains that taking care of a baby can lead to extreme tiredness, feeling alone, and mental stress. These issues can add up and cause parents to feel overwhelmed. She believes we can’t just rely on punishment after something bad happens.
The Commissioner calls for better early intervention services that are easy to access and well-staffed. These services should offer practical advice, emotional support, and help identify risks without making families feel judged.
In conclusion, she highlights that a strong family care system is essential for the State to prevent abuse and ensure every child’s health, safety, and growth.
