# Child protection and mistreatment investigations in Panama

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/child-protection-and-mistreatment-investigations-in-panama
> Updated: 2026-09-17T23:41:15.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In September 2026, the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents, and Family (Senniaf) activated protection protocols following the death of a child in the Pedasí district of Los Santos province. The Public Ministry launched an investigation into the circumstances of the death, while the deceased child’s siblings were placed under the temporary care of a family member.

Separately, legal proceedings emerged involving former Senniaf officials and staff. Four individuals were charged with aggravated mistreatment of minors at the Tocumen Integral Care Center (CAI) following an inspection that uncovered irregular conditions. A judge imposed precautionary measures on the defendants, including travel bans and restrictions on social media use, while the Public Ministry appealed to seek pretrial detention.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Panama officials charged with aggravated mistreatment of minors

Four former Senniaf officials face charges for the aggravated mistreatment of minors at the Tocumen CAI in Panama. Precautionary measures include travel bans and social media restrictions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-officials-charged-with-aggravated-mistreatment-of-minors

### 2026-09-12: Senniaf activates protection protocols after child's death in Pedasí

Senniaf has activated protection protocols and the Public Ministry is investigating the death of a child in Pedasí, Panama. The deceased's siblings are under temporary family care.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senniaf-activates-protection-protocols-after-childs-death-in-pedas

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Cite as: Child protection and mistreatment investigations in Panama. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/child-protection-and-mistreatment-investigations-in-panama