Reframing Child Removal in Greece: A Proposal for a Trauma-Informed Protocol

• In Event: Securing a Seat at the Policy Table: Advancing Criminology’s Impact on Decision-Making

Abstract

This study, conducted in Greece under the supervision of Prof. Vasiliki Artinopoulou, investigates the removal of children from abusive environments through a qualitative approach. The research aims to fill the gap in the Greek child protection system, where no structured removal protocol exists, leading to traumatic experiences for children.
The study employed narrative-biographical methods, analyzing interviews with adult survivors of childhood abuse who experienced removal. Findings reveal that the process often lacks trauma-informed care, preparation, and child participation, exacerbating distress. Participants described the removal as sudden, aggressive, and emotionally scarring, even when acknowledging its necessity.
Based on empirical data, the study proposes a structured Removal Protocol with key stages:
1. Preparation of Professionals – Training in trauma-informed care and interdisciplinary coordination.
2. Child-Centered Communication – Informing children appropriately about the removal process.
3. Planned Execution – Selecting an optimal time and method to minimize distress.
4. Immediate Support – Ensuring psychosocial care immediately post-removal.
5. Continuity of Care – Assigning a stable reference professional to the child.
This evidence-based policy recommendation aligns with international best practices (USA, UK) and emphasizes the necessity of legal reform to integrate scientific findings into Greece’s child welfare system.

Author

• Stefanos Alevizos, PANTEION UNIVERSITY, Sociology Department, Restorative Justice & Mediation Lab, Athens, Greece