Panama's National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents, and Families (Senniaf) stated that inadequate resources led to poor management. This position was articulated during a hearing before the National Assembly in response to questions from the Commission on Women, Children, Youth, and Family. The acting director of Senniaf, Andrea Vega, emphasized that the budget has been reduced since 2020, making it impossible to provide minors with medicine, clothing, and food. Senniaf is responsible for 713 minors in 48 care centers but lacks metrics to evaluate its management and clear records on minors who have escaped from its shelters. Representative Dana Castañeda stated that the problems within the agency are not new and that 'we shouldn't exploit the pain of others for political gain.' Senniaf has been under public scrutiny since last month when commission president Alexandra Brenes reported alleged abuses and negligent treatment at the Tocumen Immediate Attention Center (CAI) to the Attorney General's Office. The ratification of the designated director, Lilibeth Cárdenas, is expected this week.
