Psychological support to prevent child abandonment

Socioeconomic Context

It is widely recognized that we are living through a period of significant uncertainty, marked by numerous social events that are shaping the global social, political and economic landscape. Uncertainty has become a constant in our daily lives, requiring us to navigate increasingly complex circumstances when making key decisions across all aspects of society. As a result, we are operating in a more challenging global environment, with multiple factors to consider when developing projects, implementing strategies and managing our organizations.

Spain is, of course, also experiencing the consequences of the current political, social and economic crisis. We are all feeling the impact of these changes, particularly from an economic perspective.

The continuous rise in the cost of living is forcing households to reduce spending, limit investments and make increasingly difficult financial decisions, directly affecting everyday life.

For many families with children, however, the situation is far more severe. Families who were already living in highly vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances are now overwhelmed. Many are no longer able to guarantee even the most basic needs for themselves or for their children, and the number of families facing these challenges continues to grow.

It is estimated that 675,000 children in Spain are unable to meet their most basic needs.

We are facing a particularly challenging moment, with many people across the country at serious risk.

For this reason, it is essential that we continue building strong strategic partnerships capable of generating meaningful social impact and combining efforts to support the economic and social development of the communities where we work.

Thousands of children, young people and families need us now more than ever, and we cannot look the other way. Although we have achieved a great deal together, the data clearly show that there is still much work to be done.

FOOD-RELATED NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. As a result, many households struggle to meet their basic needs, including being able to afford meat or fish twice a week or cover unexpected expenses. For some children, the only complete meal they receive each day is the one provided at school.

Maintaining a balanced diet with limited financial resources is extremely challenging. Families living in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability are often forced to purchase cheaper, less nutritious food in order to feed their children.

Childhood obesity is twice as prevalent among households with the lowest income levels.

• Data: A report by the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs shows that 23.2% of children from families with an annual gross income below €18,000 are affected by obesity, compared with 11.9% of children from families with annual incomes above €30,000.
• Data: 4.9% of children and adolescents in Spain cannot afford to eat meat or fish at least once every two days. Living Conditions Survey (ECV), 2021.

ENERGY-RELATED NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and many of their families struggle to meet essential household expenses such as rent, electricity and heating.

Energy poverty is particularly prevalent among low-income households. Being unable to pay for electricity or gas has significant consequences for children's health, education and nutrition.

• Data: According to the Spanish High Commissioner for the Fight Against Child Poverty, 49.1% of children and adolescents living in low-cost rental housing live in homes with inadequate temperatures; 39.9% of households at risk of poverty live in homes with leaking roofs; and 15.5% lack adequate lighting.
• Data: 13.1% of children and adolescents in Spain are unable to keep their homes at an adequate temperature. Living Conditions Survey (ECV), 2021.

EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and their families' socioeconomic circumstances have a direct impact on their education. The digital divide, limited resources and capacity to support learning at home, together with difficulties in balancing work and family life, compromise children's right to a quality education and limit their future opportunities.

Financial hardship also prevents many children and adolescents from participating in extracurricular, sports, cultural and social activities, placing them at a disadvantage in many aspects of their development, increasing inequality and making social inclusion more difficult.

Children and adolescents from families experiencing socioeconomic hardship generally achieve lower academic results. They also show higher rates of absenteeism and early school leaving and are more likely to repeat a school year.

• Data: Households with monthly incomes below €900 face greater difficulties in accessing computers and internet connections at home. Within this income bracket, 500,000 children live in households without a computer, and nearly 100,000 children do not have internet access at home. Children's Platform (Plataforma de Infancia), 2020.

MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, facing barriers that undermine their emotional well-being and negatively affect their mental health.

These households frequently experience highly stressful situations and, in many cases, chronic stress because of prolonged financial hardship and socioeconomic difficulties. This makes children particularly vulnerable to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders, among others.

Mental Health Needs (continued)

The risk of poverty and social exclusion is directly associated with a higher likelihood of children experiencing mental health problems that affect their development.

• Data: “Primary care pediatric services and referrals to mental health services have recorded a significant increase in consultations related to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, self-harm and psychosomatic disorders.” Spanish Association of Paediatrics (July 2021).
• Data: According to the ANAR Foundation (ANAR Helpline/Chat Annual Report 2021), mental health problems among children and adolescents increased by 54.6% in 2021 and accounted for 32.5% of all requests for help received from children and adolescents that year.

Impact on the Partnership

Banco Santander's contribution has enabled SOS Children's Villages to reach the homes of thousands of vulnerable children across Spain, helping us respond to the Home Emergency many families are currently facing.

The financial contribution received has been allocated to our Home Emergency Kit, helping to meet families' most urgent needs, primarily related to food. This support benefits 100% of the children participating in our programs across Spain. The Home Emergency Physiological Kit has a monthly cost of €20.

With €20, we provide psychological support for one child for one month.

We provide emotional support and individual psychological care to children, adolescents and young people experiencing difficult personal or family circumstances. We also offer family therapy services, delivering preventive interventions aimed at preventing situations of vulnerability from worsening while strengthening family relationships and equipping families with the tools they need to overcome challenges. In addition, psychological counselling is available for adults.

We work to ensure that the right to good mental health becomes a reality for children and adolescents living in vulnerable situations. Early identification, prevention and timely intervention are fundamental to this work. We accompany children throughout their emotional recovery process, providing them with the tools they need to understand and manage their emotions and to build resilience in the face of adversity.

Thanks to the fund raised, we have been able to cover the physiological needs of 70 children in Spain.

Links:

• https://www.aldeasinfantiles.es/conocenos/