FEAD 2018 Catalogue of case studies

Cyprus – ‘Baby dowry’: Supporting disadvantaged parents in welcoming a newborn Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance of the Republic of Cyprus Images © Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock.com, 2018 WHY? Having a baby represents a significant economic cost that can be a burden on low-income families, who are not always able to purchase basic items for newborns. When families are not adequately equipped materially, it can threaten the healthy development of their newborn child . Against this background, the Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance in Cyprus identified the need to support households benefiting from the minimum income scheme in welcoming a newborn. WHAT? The Cypriot Managing Authority provides parcels with essential items for newborns to families facing serious material deprivation. Such parcels include basic items such as a baby bed and mattress, a baby bathtub, a baby changing unit, a high chair, pushchair, linen, baby blankets, towels, or a special package with baby bottles, shampoos, creams and nappies for 24 months. Families also receive a monthly allowance for the purchase of baby food and get guidance to navigate the support services that are available to them. Diverse approaches to supporting Europe’s most deprived: FEAD case studies 2018 16