The guilds of Social Work and Psychology have raised alarms about the situation faced by childhood and adolescence in the country, warning of failures in the State's response in terms of comprehensive protection and institutional care.
Through a joint statement, the organizations expressed their concern about the current conditions, especially in the approach to adolescents in conflict with the law, emphasizing that responsibility cannot fall on a single entity.
The professionals recognize the role of the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence, and the Family (SENNIAF), but stress that guaranteeing rights requires articulated action among various State institutions.
In this sense, they pointed out that the Judicial Branch, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance are also part of this responsibility, along with other public and civil society actors.
The pronouncement is based on norms such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Political Constitution of Panama, and current laws, which establish principles such as the best interests of the child and institutional co-responsibility.
However, the guilds warn that weaknesses persist in inter-institutional coordination, as well as limitations in human and technical resources, which reduces the capacity to respond to the needs of the child and adolescent population.
One of the most critical points in the statement is the warning about the use of shelters as a generalized solution, especially for adolescents in conflict with the law.
According to specialists, these spaces do not adequately respond to all cases, so they consider it necessary to develop specialized centers focused on assessment, guidance, and social reintegration.
In this scenario, the guilds called on the State to strengthen inter-institutional articulation, guarantee sufficient resources, and prioritize the incorporation of specialized personnel in the different areas of care.
They also insisted that decisions related to childhood and adolescence must be based on technical criteria provided by Social Work and Psychology professionals.
Finally, the organizations reiterated their willingness to collaborate in building comprehensive public policies that allow for the protection, development, and restoration of the rights of childhood and adolescence in Panama.
