On Tuesday, new regulations came into force to streamline the operation of homes for mothers with minor children and pregnant women. They organise the standards of services provided in such areas as: therapeutic and educational, interventional or livelihood needs.

- The regulation provides immediate psychological assistance to mothers and pregnant women. It also regulates the stay of older children in the centres. A child who turned 18 years old and is a student or has a moderate or severe degree of disability may stay with their mother in the institution – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy, Marlena Maląg.

Important changes in institutions

Homes for mothers and pregnant women are run pursuant to the organisational rules, developed by the manager and adopted by the district board or the authority managing the institution. An important change is the requirement for persons working in these institutions, e.g. a counsellor, therapist or psychologist, to hold appropriate professional qualifications.

A better standard of living

The centres help persons who, for various reasons, found themselves in a difficult housing situation, e.g. had to leave their current place of residence. Homes for mothers and pregnant women provide them with temporary shelter and adequate support. The task of the centres is also to provide rooms for work and for storage of prams. In addition, the new regulations oblige institutions to have a kitchen or kitchenette adapted to the number of places. Centres not meeting these standards have 24 months to become adapted to them.