Deputy Alexandra Brenes, president of the Commission for Women, Youth, Adolescence and Family, revealed to La Prensa that she has informed the new director of the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence and Family (Senniaf), Lilibeth Cárdenas Chanis, and the Ministry of Social Development about irregularities found in shelters. The report she delivered contains information on identified gaps in the shelters, recommendations from international organizations like UNICEF—some formulated as early as 2021—as well as short, medium, and long-term suggestions regarding infrastructure, mental health, and the functioning of the board of directors. Brenes stated that there have been dismissals within Senniaf as a result of these complaints. She also confirmed that on February 6th, she reported to the Public Ministry alleged sexual abuse and mistreatment of minors at the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) in Tocumen. Despite more than a month having passed, she has not received any reports on the investigation. Brenes emphasized the importance of not setting precedents where 'the guilty are not prosecuted' and called for everyone to be judged equally, regardless of their position or rank. In conversations with the new director, Brenes was confirmed that these decisions are being made because—although it may be hard to believe—there were officials who, even after being accused, continued to work at the institution. They have also had access to witnesses, victims, and the manipulation of files. This is the second time in less than ten years that the entity in charge of protecting vulnerable childhood is under scrutiny for irregularities. In 2021, following complaints of abuse of minors in shelters managed by Senniaf, two former officials of the entity were declared guilty after investigations.
