The National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence and Family, in accordance with Law 14 of January 23, 2009, is a decentralized and specialized public entity of the State, with legal personality, its own assets, and administrative, budgetary, financial, technical, and management autonomy. It is responsible for coordinating, articulating, executing, and monitoring compliance with comprehensive policies for the protection of the rights of children and adolescents.
Following the recent incidents reported at the comprehensive care center located in Tocumen, the Minister of Social Development, Beatriz Carles, who presides over the board of directors of the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence and Family (Senniaf), has convened an extraordinary session for next Monday, February 9.
The board of directors of Senniaf is also composed of the Ministers of Economy and Finance, Health, Education and Labor, and the Comptroller General of the Republic; as well as two representatives of the National Network for Support of Childhood and Adolescence.
They assure that in the event of any indication of irregularities that put the integrity or safety of minors at risk, the ministry will collaborate fully and transparently with the competent authorities.
According to Mides, the protection of the best interest of the child and adolescent is and will continue to be the absolute priority of the State.
In addition, the former director of this center, César Augusto Pérez, also referred to this situation and said that he was separated from his position after revealing the cases.
They also indicate that, prior to this, concrete measures have been recommended to strengthen institutional protocols, with the aim of guaranteeing effective care and comprehensive protection for children, children, and adolescents under the custody of the State.
This week, Deputy Alexandra Brenes filed a complaint for the alleged crimes of sexual abuse, mistreatment of minors, and non-compliance with the duties of public officials that occurred at the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) in Tocumen.
