THE Labour Minister has promised the aunt of an eight-year-old girl, who is in the care of Social Services, that she will not be put up for adoption to an outside family.
Minister Antonis Vasiliou’s announcement on Thursday came just days after Marilena’s aunt was told her application to adopt her had been rejected.
Back in October, Marilena hit the headlines when her aunt Despo took her out of a state children’s home and went in hiding for several days.
She said she wanted to save her little niece from the desperate situation she had experienced at her own home, but also the sad and isolated life she was leading in children’s shelters.
In her short life so far, Marilena has suffered unimaginable pain and fear. Her parents separated when she was still a toddler and custody went to her father as her mother had serious problems that remain unclear.
But eight months ago, Marilena’s dad was imprisoned, leaving the eight-year-old in the care of the Social Welfare Office and in general limbo.
Following Despo’s act of desperation and the massive media coverage it received, the Labour Ministry promised to find a swift solution to the eight-year-old’s situation.
But after the media frenzy died down, it appears Marilena’s case was shelved.
Her aunt has repeatedly voiced her willingness to take the little girl on, but last week she was told by the Welfare Office that her application to adopt her beloved niece had been rejected.
Although Minister Vassiliou has promised Marilena’s family that the eight-year-old would not be put up for adoption to another family, it still remains unclear whether her aunt will gain custody or not.
Last Sunday, Vassiliou admitted to Phileleftheros newspaper that it was preferable a girl Marilena’s age remained within her family environment.
He said that he would meet with the Welfare Services and the social worker who examined Marilena’s case, adding: “I will look at the issue again personally.”
But Vassiliou stressed that there were no easy solutions in such serious matters.
“Therefore, [the Social Services] cannot evade the substance of the issue or the responsibility of ensuring the child’s safety and best possible upbringing,” he pointed out.
