Hungarian child protection system labeled traumatized, calls for data-driven reforms
State Secretary Szilvia Gyurkó said a new diagnostic report finds Hungary's child protection system on the brink of collapse and urges evidence-based reforms.
During a televised interview, Szilvia Gyurkó, Hungary's state secretary for child rights, described a newly released diagnostic report that warns the child protection system is close to collapse. The report reveals that only one in four or five children are placed back with their families, underscoring deep systemic issues. Gyurkó stressed that the findings must be used to craft data-driven policies rather than serve as political talking points, and she said a second chapter containing concrete recommendations is already being drafted.
She also referenced a separate report published by Direkt36 after a public data request, and announced that details about incidents at the Bicske orphanage will be disclosed in the coming weeks. The government has earmarked ten billion forints for child protection, including one billion for immediate crisis interventions for infants stuck in hospitals, and highlighted the need for better staffing, specialized foster networks, and salary adjustments for professionals.
