Early intervention teams launched for children at risk in Mallorca

Five early intervention teams have been introduced across Mallorca to support children and teenagers facing low or moderate risk, with the aim of preventing unnecessary entry into the child-protection system. The Mallorca Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS) presented the service in Palma, Mallorca, on Tuesday, 25 August, after it began operating in the first months of 2026.

The teams, staffed by 27 professionals and organised across five areas of the island, were presented by IMAS president Guillermo Sánchez and Apol·lònia Socias, the Council of Mallorca's director for Social Services, Children and Families. Their rollout began late last year and followed a training period.

Working alongside municipal services

Municipal social services will remain the first point of contact for potential cases. Their staff will identify and make an initial assessment of risks before referring cases requiring specialist support to one of the new teams.

The teams will then carry out a fuller assessment and develop and monitor an intervention plan jointly with municipal services. Each includes a social worker, psychologist, educator and social integration specialist, while coordinators and legal and administrative staff complete the 27-person workforce.

Tailored help for families

Support may include psychological, educational or family assistance, depending on the circumstances of each child. Cases may involve excessive screen use where parents struggle to set limits, difficulties with parenting, family conflict, social vulnerability or mental-health problems within the household.

The service may also address children affected by gender-based violence, disability or dependency, and suspected low- or moderate-level abuse. IMAS says early action is intended to keep families together where possible and avoid placing children in the protection system unless it is essential.

The teams have received a positive response from Mallorca's municipalities during their first months of work, according to IMAS. Sánchez said it was too early to provide a numerical assessment until the scheme is fully implemented.

Topics: Social affairs · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com