A significant increase in investment
In 2024, the Generalitat de Catalunya planned an investment of 115.5 million euros for the care of unaccompanied minors, known as ‘Menes’. This amount represents a significant increase in the aid to other vulnerable groups such as the elderly or people with disabilities.
The impact of immigration in Catalonia
Catalonia faces an intense debate on immigration management, with a considerable increase in minors reaching the territory. The most recent data indicate that, since the beginning of 2023, the Autonomous Community has hosted 4,802 minors, a figure that exceeds the initial expectations of the Generalitat.
The reality of the ‘kinds’
The Generalitat continues to provide assistance to these young people until they are 18 years old, helping them to develop a life project. In many cases, its age is doubtful, but its vulnerability is prioritized to ensure its protection.
Comparison of expenses
The average expenditure for each minor tutored amounts to 134.86 euros daily, which translates to about 4,000 euros per month. This amount is considerably higher than that is used for other services of care for vulnerable people. For example, a place in a residence for the elderly costs approximately 2,000 euros per month.
Expenses in care services
The following table highlights the monthly expenses for different types of care centers:
| Type of center | Monthly amount |
| —————- | —————- |
| Assisted residence for the elderly | € 2.230.54 |
| Housing guarded for the elderly | € 338.49 |
| Residential center for people with intellectual disabilities | € 3.961.70 |
The political debate about investment
The current situation has generated an intense political debate, with voices in favor and against public spending on the care of unaccompanied minors. While some parties argue that investment is necessary for humanitarian reasons, others question the viability of this model in the face of the needs of other groups.
Reactions to public expenditure
Opposition parties, such as Vox, have demanded more transparency about spending related to ‘kinds’, revealing that the amount allocated exceeds the initial expectations. This situation has generated concern among the population, which perceives an imbalance in the distribution of public resources.
An uncertain future
With the pressure on growing social services, the Generalitat is forced to rethink its care strategy. Authorities will need to find a balance between the needs of unaccompanied minors and the demands of the general population, which demands more resources for other vulnerable groups.