Spain's 20,000 children in care need violence safeguards
Nearly 20,000 children live in residential care centres in Spain. On 18 September, child-rights group Plataforma de Infancia called on the country's regional governments to appoint a wellbeing and protection coordinator in every centre. It says the role would help prevent violence and give children a trusted person who can listen and act when help is needed.
The group says many of the children in residential care have previously faced violence, neglect or a lack of protection.
A gap in the 2021 law
Spain's 2021 comprehensive law protecting children and teenagers from violence, known as LOPIVI, introduced protection leads in schools and in leisure and sport settings. The requirement did not extend to residential care centres.
In February 2026, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Spain make the post compulsory. A draft reform of LOPIVI already includes the measure.
Regions urged to act
The proposed coordinators would promote good treatment, spot risks early and organise the response to possible violence. They would also make sure children and teenagers know where to turn for help.
Plataforma de Infancia has drawn up rules for the role and will send them to every regional administration. Its campaign, “La pelota está en vuestro tejado”, calls on Spain's autonomous communities to strengthen protection structures.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com