The Ministry of Family and Social Services, which has established a unit specialized in support for children with parental loss, has provided services to 7.696 children through the Orphan Units established in all provinces.

7.696 children have been served through the Orphan Units established by the Ministry of Family and Social Services for orphans in all provinces.

The Department of Orphan and Daytime Services was established under the Directorate General of Child Services on September 10, 2020, in order to provide holistic services for children with parental loss.

In this direction, Orphan Units have been established within 81 provincial directorates in order to plan the activities for children with parental loss and to provide information on the activities carried out. Children with parental loss have been identified by the professionals working in the units, and visits have been made to the children and their families.

During the visits, the type of support needed by the children with parental loss and their families has been determined, and it is ensured that children and families have been directed to social service models in line with their needs. At the same time, guidance and counseling services have been provided to children and their families.

As of March 2022, officials have visited the homes of 7.696 children in total, ensuring that they benefit from appropriate social service models according to their needs.

Special guide for children with parental loss

Within the scope of activities for children with parental loss, the Ministry has also prepared the "Guide for Supporting Children with Parental Loss" in order to inform families about the services offered in this regard and to support children and families during the grieving process.

In the guide, there are sections on supporting children with parental loss and during the grieving process, procedures to be done after the loss of a parent, services for children and their families, as well as suggestions on what can be done for children who have lost a parent.

Many aid and support programs running

The Ministry of Family and Social Services provides many support through various mechanisms in order for children to cope with the problems arising from the deprivation of their parents, to adapt to the society and to be psychologically healthy.

In this context, social and economic assistance is provided to the families of children with parental loss and in need of economic support. In addition, psychosocial support and counseling services are offered.

In the current situation, many aid programs are carried out, especially orphan's pension, aid for widowed women.