Spain

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (Symbolic picture: Judith Buethe)).

The Kingdom of Spain is predominantly located in Southwestern Europe but includes territory and islands in the Atlantic Ocean and across the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is home to around 47 million people, with more than 80% of the population living in urban centers. The capital, Madrid, is also the political, economic, and cultural center, and the most populous city in Spain. It is also the second largest city in the EU and home to more than 6 million people.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Spain since the late 1960s.

Children are at risk

Under-18s constitute around 17% of the population, equating to more than 8 million children. Over 40,000 children live in alternative care settings, and of those, more than half are in family-based care while the other half reside in residential settings. Of those 20,000 children living in institutions, more than 1,100 are 6-years old and under.
1 in 3
Children at risk of poverty

Poverty

The national poverty rate in Spain is just below 15%, however, under-18s are twice as likely to face poverty and social exclusion, affecting around 30% of children. In addition, 6% face extreme material deprivation. This situation is dramatically worse for Roma children, almost 90% of whom live in poverty. Children born into poverty are more likely to experience hunger and malnutrition, a negative impact on their physical and intellectual development, and a wide range of health problems that affect them in the long-term.

1 in 3
Young people are unemployed

Youth unemployment

Over 10% of the population are out of work, of which around 40% are long-term unemployed persons. Around 30% of young people are jobless, equating to 2.5 million 15–24-year-olds. Of those, almost 750,000 are also out of education and training. Young people who are out of work and education have decreased well-being and greater social isolation. They also lack opportunities to gain and improve their skills, exacerbating employment and socio-economic challenges.

1 in 10
Children in drop out of school

Education

Over 10% of children do not complete upper secondary education and almost 30% of young people exit high school or a vocational training without a qualification. Over 60% of Roma students do not complete compulsory education. The consequences of a poor educational background can be profound, from slower progress in learning and restricted social and emotional development to worse prospects for future employment, or increased vulnerability to safeguarding issues and criminal exploitation.

Together we can make a difference for children in Spain

6,088
Families
Can stay together
11,874
Adults and children
Are supported through our programmes
1,689
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
504
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
(Symbolic picture: Lydia Mantler).