Parents urge increased allowance for families in Faroe Islands with special needs children

The allowance for parents needing to stay home with children with special needs should be increased, asserts Eyðgunn Samuelsen, a member of the Faroese parliament for the Social Democratic Party. The current cap is significantly too low. With the recent increase in the maximum parental leave benefit, it is essential to also consider families with special needs children. Many are struggling financially, the politician notes.

Twenty-two-year-old Andrea Tungá, who is facing economic difficulties due to having to leave the workforce to care for her two-year-old daughter Sonju Fríðu, who has Aicardi Goutieres Syndrome, exemplifies these challenges.

The financial strain on those staying home with children with special needs has a profound impact on their daily lives, as highlighted by Andrea Tungá’s situation. She is not the only parent in the Faroe Islands facing such circumstances, indicates Helena F. Jørmundson, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party. Many families must remain at home due to a lack of available care options.

It is crucial that the allowance is increased, but there must also be more available support services for these families, she emphasizes.