People convicted of crimes against children not to be allowed to hold positions involving interaction with minors

People convicted of crimes against children will not be allowed to hold positions that involve interaction with minors. Parliament will examine, in first reading, legislative measures aimed at strengthening the child protection system against violence, neglect and exploitation. The report on the draft law was approved at today’s meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Social Protection, Health and Family.

The legislative initiative was developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, based on international recommendations and practical experience regarding the protection of children’s rights in the work of professionals who interact regularly with them, both in the public and private sectors.

The authors propose amending the Labour Code with new restrictions for employees who have regular contact with children. Thus, persons declared mentally unfit to perform social and professional activities with increased responsibility will not be allowed to be employed in such positions. Likewise, persons convicted by a final court decision, as well as those who are suspects, accused or defendants in a criminal case for crimes committed against children, will not be allowed to be employed.

The same restrictions will apply to people who carry out volunteer activities that involve regular interaction with children. At the same time, in the case of the professions of professional foster carer, parent-educator and guardian/curator, the restrictions will be extended to the family members of the person exercising these professions.

Another provision of the draft law stipulates that, when a criminal case is initiated for crimes committed against children, the employer will suspend from duty the employee who interacts with children at the workplace. For this purpose, the competent bodies managing criminal proceedings will be obliged to inform the employer about the person’s status as suspect, accused or defendant. In the event of a final conviction, the employee will be dismissed.

The draft also contains measures to prevent the unlawful removal or retention of children abroad, by introducing legal instruments that will allow courts to intervene quickly when there is a risk of such situations occurring. Provisions on the protection of children in cases of domestic violence and those concerning the maintenance of relationships between siblings separated by adoption are also strengthened. For example, in cases of domestic violence, the protection order will be extended to the child as well.

The legislative initiative also sets clear time limits for examining cases regarding deprivation of parental rights, of up to 45 working days. In cases where a child is removed from the family when their safety is at risk, the proposed time limit is up to 30 working days.

The document also contains amendments to the Enforcement Code. Thus, it is proposed that income obtained in the form of social benefits or cash assistance granted by state institutions and received by the family for the child cannot be subject to enforcement proceedings. Therefore, these financial resources cannot be used to pay off debts.

After adoption, the legislative amendments will enter into force three months after publication in the Official Journal.