Colombia legal framework for abandoned minors

In Colombia, the abandonment of a minor or a person unable to care for themselves is a criminal offense under Article 127 of the Penal Code. Convictions can result in prison sentences ranging from 32 to 108 months, with penalties increasing if the abandonment occurs in a deserted or isolated location.

When a minor is found abandoned, they do not automatically become eligible for adoption, nor can they remain in the care of the person who found them. Authorities must first ensure the child's protection and conduct a verification of rights to assess their health and family environment. This triggers the Administrative Process for the Restoration of Rights (PARD).

The PARD aims to identify the child's biological or extended family to determine if a relative can provide adequate care. Legal experts note that adoption is a separate legal situation from the rights restoration process, which focuses on protecting the minor and investigating the circumstances surrounding the parents.