Debate on the reform of the Code for the Protection of Children and Adolescents in the Dominican Republic
The proposal to reform Law 136-03, which governs the System for the Protection and Fundamental Rights of Children and Adolescents, has generated diverse opinions in the public sphere. Researcher Magdalena Piña Dirocié has expressed her concern regarding the changes contemplated by this draft bill, warning about possible significant modifications to the current legal structure.
During her intervention on the program Aquí Hablamos Claro, Piña Dirocié pointed out that the initiative could bring about profound alterations in fundamental concepts. Among the points that the researcher considers sensitive are the redefinition of the concept of family, adjustments to parental authority, new provisions regarding adoption, and a greater influence of international organizations in the implementation of child protection policies in the country.
The authorities’ stance on the legal update
For its part, the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI) has confirmed that the Dominican State is working on a comprehensive update of the regulations. The objective, according to the authorities, is to adapt the legal framework to current social realities and strengthen protection guarantees for minors.
The reform process seeks to strengthen the protection system, adapting it to the contemporary needs of Dominican childhood and adolescence through a profound update of Law 136-03.
CONANI
This project, coordinated by lawyer Dilia Leticia Jorge Mera, has a multidisciplinary team of consultants. The first draft of the proposal was presented in April to the High-Level Advisory Committee and the National Board of CONANI, initiating a socialization stage where various sectors of society can provide recommendations and observations.
Key points of the proposal
- Update of the fundamental rights of childhood and adolescence.
- Review of current regulations on family law, including the recognition of diverse family configurations.
- Modifications to the adolescent criminal justice system to improve its efficiency.
- Structural adjustments to the child protection system.
As the validation process continues, the debate over the scope of this reform remains active. The authorities have emphasized that the document is in a consultation phase, allowing the concerns expressed by experts and the public to be part of the analysis before the proposal moves toward its final version and is submitted to the corresponding legislative process.
