Verifying the Conditions of Panamanian Minors: National Assembly Member Alexandra Brenes Inspects Shelters

Congresswoman Alexandra Brenes, president of the National Assembly’s Committee on Women, Children, Youth, and Family, along with her team, conducted an inspection tour of various shelters in the province of Panama. This initiative aims to verify firsthand the current conditions of minors under protection.  At the end of one of the visits, Brenes emphasized that the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) also maintains oversight operations. According to the congresswoman, the administrators of these centers have requested support due to recurring difficulties, such as providing medical care to minors in hospitals when they lack the supervision of a legal guardian. 

The parliamentarian also explained that the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Families (SENNIAF) asked her to limit visits to half of the shelters, a process that is expected to conclude next week.  The new director in charge of SENNIAF, Andrea Carolina Vega, joined the tour and reaffirmed the commitment to continue technical reviews, both of infrastructure maintenance and budget execution at the centers. Vega warned that if irregularities are found during the ongoing audits, the corresponding legal and administrative measures will be taken.  Among the shelters that were inspected were the Children’s Asylum, the Divine Child Home, Nutre Hogar, and the María Guadalupe Home. 

Resignation of the Former Director of SENNIAF Ana Fábrega

Congresswoman Alexandra Brenes, from the Vamos coalition, reacted to the resignation of the former director of the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Families (Senniaf), Ana Fábrega, following allegations of abuse against minors and young people at the Tocumen Comprehensive Care Center.  Instead, Otilia Rodríguez, a lawyer, will take over. According to the congresswoman, Rodríguez was also denounced by her and by parents for alleged mismanagement and for preventing access to children’s files. 

Brenes pictured above, also pointed out that Rodríguez below, was questioned during her tenure at the Regional Directorate of Senniaf in West Panama.  To date, the congresswoman and the other people who filed the complaint indicated that they are unaware of the progress of the investigations, although they have cooperated with the interviews requested by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.  Among the aspects that, according to Brenes, require further investigation is the alleged lack of protocols in shelters.

“Ms. Otilia Rodríguez above, was also reported on February 6th for mismanagement, and not only is there my complaint against her, but also complaints from parents who, unfortunately, haven’t even had access to their children’s files.