Proceedings in such cases of international child abduction are extremely complex, drag on for many years, and entail enormous costs for the families involved. This is primarily due to the fact that current legislation requires the parent filing the claim to wait until the unlawful removal has actually taken place before taking any legal action.
This pressing problem, along with the rise in domestic violence cases, the lack of uniform rules for background checks on personnel working with minors, and the financial vulnerability of families—whose social benefits are often forcibly collected by court enforcement officers—has revealed serious gaps in the national protection system.
To address these shortcomings, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has drafted a bill that introduces strict preventive mechanisms and makes radical changes to labor, civil, and family law.
Strict Measures to Prevent International Child Abductions
In the judicial sphere, the bill provides for strict measures to prevent international child abductions. In particular, courts in the child’s place of residence will be authorized to issue a ban on removing a minor from the country on the same day the application is filed, if there is evidence that the other parent intends to flee abroad. In addition, strict time limits—no more than 30 and 45 days—are established for the consideration of cases involving the termination of parental rights.
As Logos Press previously reported, the new law will also directly protect family income by prohibiting court enforcement officers from seizing or freezing benefits and financial assistance intended for vulnerable families.
Lifetime Ban on Working with Children for Those Convicted of Violence
Among the document’s other provisions is a lifetime ban on employing individuals with a criminal record or those under investigation for violent or sexual offenses in positions involving regular contact with children. This ban will apply across all sectors—both public and private—including volunteer work. Furthermore, for services such as professional parenting support (foster care) or guardianship, background checks will also extend to family members living with the employee.
On July 14, Parliament will hold public consultations on a bill aimed at strengthening the system for protecting children from violence, neglect, and/or exploitation. The hearings will take place within the framework of the Committee on Social Protection, Health Care, and Family Affairs.
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