Panama's National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents, and Families (SENNIAF) remains in crisis after seven directors in five years. The scandal erupted in 2020 when an investigation by the National Assembly's Commission on Women, Children, and Families uncovered 'concrete evidence' of abuse, violence, and physical mistreatment of children and adolescents, especially those with intellectual disabilities, in shelters run by SENNIAF. In February 2021, during a report presentation to the National Assembly, it was revealed that children in SENNIAF shelters had suffered sexual and physical abuse. The investigation, dating back to around 2015, documented minors cohabiting with adults, some with severe disabilities, as well as unusable bathrooms, poor dormitory conditions, a lack of basic supplies, and the absence of individualized care plans. The first official to leave after the scandal broke was Mayra Inés Silvera, who held the position for only 60 days. She stated she was forced to resign. She was followed by Otilia Rodríguez, whose tenure lasted only 24 hours, and Sara Rodríguez, who was presented with a pre-written resignation letter. Despite numerous questions, citizen protests, and complaints to competent authorities, as well as constant leadership changes, the situation in these centers and their role in protecting vulnerable minors has not changed. In March 2024, with the arrival of new President José Raúl Mulino, Ana Fábrega was appointed to lead SENNIAF but served for only a few days, failing to present her annual report. Her successor was Andrea Carolina Vega, followed by Lilibeth Cárdenas Chanis. Legislator Alexandra Brenes believes the problem is not just about individual qualifications but a deficiency in 'institutional character, management capacity, and will.' She also stated that despite Sara Rodríguez's name being mentioned in the complaint, she has not been removed from her post, which Brenes considers 'completely reckless.' New questions have arisen, and another complaint has been filed by the National Assembly's Commission regarding irregularities at the Tocumen Comprehensive Care Center. Brenes believes that managing such a 'sensitive' institution should be under greater scrutiny, and its head should be chosen through a competition rather than by direct appointment.
