In the autonomous community of Murcia, the story of one of the region’s largest shelters for minors left without parental care has come to an end. The center, located in the Santa Cruz district, has closed its doors after the Vox party made the closure a key condition for supporting the regional budget. Although neither residents nor staff had reported any issues involving the teenagers, the decision to shut down the facility was made in October 2024.
Seventy children and teenagers—both Spanish citizens and unaccompanied foreign minors—were urgently relocated to other institutions in the region. This move sparked a sharp response from youth organizations. Representatives argued that the relocation was not just a formality but actually harmed the young people: they lost their familiar environment, access to educational and recreational opportunities, and the support they relied on.
Politics vs. Reality: Why the Closure of the Center Became a Symbol
Many former residents remember the center in Santa Cruz as the place where their new life began. Here, they learned Spanish, gained professional skills, and started making plans for the future. For some, it was their only home after a long journey through several countries. However, political decisions outweighed personal stories: now, most of the foreign minors have been placed in a youth hostel on the outskirts, far from familiar infrastructure. Spanish children were relocated to other institutions.
Local authorities have not provided detailed information about the teenagers’ future. Officially, they have announced a shift to a new, more family-like placement model. However, experts believe the situation has only worsened: the children have become isolated, making their adaptation even harder. Civil society organizations note that such measures fail to address integration issues and simply create new barriers.
Public reaction and Vox’s further demands
Interestingly, not a single complaint was registered among Santa Cruz residents regarding the center’s work or the behavior of its residents. Even the district head admitted that the closure was purely a political decision that does not reflect local sentiment. Nevertheless, the Vox party continues to push for the total closure of all such institutions in the region, despite the fact that both Spanish and foreign children under state care live there.
The stories of former residents of the center reveal just how difficult their situations are. Many fled war, poverty, and a lack of prospects. For them, Spain offered a chance at a new life, and now, the closure of the center is yet another challenge. The future of the support system for minors in Murcia remains uncertain, while public debate around the issue is only gaining momentum.
