The juvenile prosecutor profile was highlighted at the Oviedo opening of a national family law congress organized by the bar association. One keynote noted how some trends among younger teens—like reporting parental abuse and seeking gatherings with slightly older peers during weekends—are outdated concerns. The speaker warned to exercise caution before placing children with third parties and stressed the importance of safeguarding youths from inappropriate environments.
At the ceremony, the deputy mayor of Oviedo, along with senior judges, faculty from the bar and child protection officials, convened to discuss safeguarding minors. The opening featured remarks by a moderator and several leaders who oversee family law matters, underscoring the gravity of protecting minors in everyday settings and in judicial processes. The emphasis stayed on responsible oversight and collaboration among professionals working with families and young people.
Rodríguez Montequín, a prosecutor with over two decades of experience handling cases involving minors, described several situations where rapid specialized intervention is needed. He pointed out the recurring issue of weekend detentions where youths exhaust their money, forcing police to intervene late at night and arrange admission to relevant centers. He noted some agents operate outside typical transport roles when faced with these cases, highlighting gaps in routine protective measures.
The prosecutor also discussed calls from families in crisis, including youths expelled from school or pushed into unsafe situations by their parents. A recent example involved three underage individuals who stole from their parents and visited a friend’s home in rural Madrid. Police encountered resistance when doors were not opened, and the youths displayed a dismissive attitude toward officers. He also observed a rise in sexual offenses and aggressive robberies involving minors, along with increased violence in some youth crimes, indicating a need for stronger, coordinated responses.
Inmaculada Rodríguez participated in a colloquium that produced a poignant moment with Julia Beltrán, author of Abrazos de hiel y miel, which recounts the experiences of a young woman who faced institutionalization. Beltrán described being deemed a helpless child at age twelve after witnessing parental conflict and neglect. She spoke emotionally about feeling unseen and misunderstood by the system, which did not explain the approach to her care. In school, she faced stigma and institutional violence, and she argued that children should be asked about their preferences and that their needs be respected more thoroughly within family and care decisions.
Lawyer and moderator María Villanueva joined Antonia Fuentes, Julia Beltrán, and Inmaculada Rodríguez Montequín in the discussion. The speakers described a framework in which victims of systemic failures are given agency to grow and heal, rather than merely being protected by separation from aggressors. The idea was to equip youths with tools to defend themselves, build dignity, and foster emotional literacy, with an emphasis on long-term personal development rather than punitive measures alone.
Antonia Fuentes, advocate for minors in the Principality, reflected on the stories shared and challenged prejudices about protection and custody cases. She emphasized that consensus-based decisions should be valid, and that risk assessments should proceed even when parental cooperation is limited or absent. She noted that children remain within the family structure as long as possible, and that the most extreme step would involve suspending parental authority. These decisions are reviewed every three to six months, minors may object to outcomes, and they are represented by counsel in these matters. The discussion also touched on the impact of pandemic-era disruptions that forced some families to withdraw their children from school.
Gessell Rooms
During the congress opening, the deputy minister of justice stated that hearing the minor remains a fundamental right in the principality. He announced the creation of a Gessell room in Gijón, a private space where children can participate discreetly in proceedings. He suggested there will be similar rooms in other districts, including upcoming facilities in Langreo and renovations in Cangas de Narcea, with a longer-term goal of one in every judicial district. The speakers also expressed concern about the quality and timeliness of psychosocial assessments and requested collaboration with psychologists and social workers to shorten report delays.