The government is assessing the effectiveness of family allowances in combating child poverty

The government is assessing the effectiveness of family allowances in combating child poverty before implementing significant increases. Minister Maria do Rosário da Palma Ramalho stated that the evaluation aims to understand how current benefits contribute to reducing child poverty. The new action plan under the National Strategy to Combat Poverty includes this assessment. The minister acknowledged challenges in residential care for children and youth at risk, citing a lack of available placements due to previous government decisions. Additionally, the government has amended legislation to create specialized care units for children with mental health issues. Currently, there is a waiting list for residential placements, but no cases involve immediate danger.