A project initiated by the Children's Ombudsman in Poland proposes a significant amendment to the Act on Social Assistance. If passed, the amendment will remove the requirement for children to pay for their parents' residency in care facilities, a regulation that has faced criticism for being unjust and harmful. Monika Horna-Cieślak, speaking on behalf of the Children’s Ombudsman, highlighted the emotional toll this requirement takes on children, including stress and anxiety, especially when they may not even have a financial means to support such payments, or have never met the adult they are responsible for.

The urgency for this change was fueled by poignant cases highlighted in media reports, particularly a case involving an 8-year-old girl burdened with requests from officials demanding payment of approximately 2,000 PLN a month for her grandfather's stay in a care home—someone she had never known. This situation exemplified the broader issues of the law that do not consider the individual circumstances of family relationships and the financial abilities of children, leading to calls for a review.

This proposed legislative change indicates a move towards more compassionate social support systems, taking into account the mental and emotional welfare of children rather than imposing financial liabilities that can exacerbate family trauma. If enacted, it could set a precedent for further reforms in social policy relating to family and care responsibilities in Poland.