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Deputy files lawsuit against SenniaF director over child abuse at shelter
2026-02-06T22:10:41+00:00

Deputy files lawsuit against SenniaF director over child abuse at shelter

Deputy Alexandra Brenes filed a complaint with the National Prosecutor's Office regarding alleged crimes of child abuse, mistreatment, and failure to perform official duties at the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) in Tocumen. The complaint names the Director of the National Secretariat for Childhood and Family (Senniaf), Ana Fábrega, and other officials. The president of the Assembly National's Commission for Women, Childhood, and Family stated that during a visit to the CAI in Tocumen, she observed a series of irregularities that led her to report the facts. She stated that the director of Prevention at the CAI in Tocumen, César Pérez, was dismissed on Friday for informing the authorities of what was happening within the institution. Pérez, in turn, detailed that he received the notice of his separation last week, and despite presenting an appeal, he was dismissed today, citing a lack of trust. Previously, he stated: "I am always presenting the situation of our minors at the Tocumen shelter... and that is why they disconnected me." He added that he has all the emails sent because "I am characterized by sending everything in writing, and it is not to attack, but to highlight the situation of our children and improve it," so he is willing to testify. Meanwhile, yesterday, the entity issued a statement through which they assured that: The National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence, and Family (SENNIAF) received a visit from the Commission of Women, Childhood, Youth, and Family of the National Assembly at the Tocumen shelter. During the visit, commission members toured the facilities accompanied by the General Director, Dr. Ana Fábrega. They reviewed the care protocols and spoke with the technical and administrative staff of the shelter, with the aim of verifying the quality of care provided and compliance with the established standards for the protection of children and adolescents. SENNIAF reiterates its commitment to continue working in coordination with the different state bodies to ensure safe, dignified, and protective environments for children, adolescents, and youth under its care.

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