People in Turkey classified as “in need of assistance” number more than 30 million, out of a population of 79 million, according to government figures. While the per capita income is decreasing, the government keeps pressing citizens to have at least three children, showing little regard for the financial strains of families. And more babies born into already struggling households means more people seeking state assistance to raise their offspring.
Child support assistance, paid on a monthly basis, amounts to 582 Turkish lira ($206) per family. In 2015, the families of 101,561 needy children received financial aid from the government, up from 19,735 in 2005. The staggering 400% increase reflects only the official statistics, with no figures available for those supported by nongovernmental organizations. Yet, highly influential charities close to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) are known to reach out to tens of thousands of poor families across Turkey.