Law 21.302 was published in January 2021, creating the National Service for Specialized Protection of Children and Adolescents (“Mejor Niñez”), as a decentralized public service with its own legal personality and assets, subject to the supervision of the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Social Development and Family, and oversight by the Undersecretariat for Children. It is also part of the System of Guarantees and Comprehensive Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents.
The purpose of the Service is to ensure the protection of children (under 14 years old) and adolescents (under 18 and over 14 years old), including their families, who are severely threatened or whose rights have been violated. Persons aged over 18 and under 24 will continue to be eligible for care by the Service as long as they are under alternative care and pursuing studies. The Service will succeed and legally continue the National Service for Children (SENAME) in the scope of the functions and powers granted by this law, inheriting all its rights, obligations, functions, and powers, without prejudice to those corresponding to the National Service for Juvenile Social Reintegration.
In general terms, its main functions relate to the diagnosis and design of specialized protection programs to be executed directly by the Service or through accredited collaborators. These programs are aimed at restoring the rights of children and adolescents, repairing the consequences of harm, preventing further violations, including working with their families or caregivers, and preparing adolescents in alternative care for independent living.
Access the Law and the Service’s website through the following links:
Law No. 21.302 that creates the National Service for Specialized Protection of Children and Adolescents: https://bcn.cl/2n1dz
Website of Mejor Niñez: https://www.mejorninez.cl/