The plan to scrutinize the most severe cases of violence and to introduce child protection standards across institutions, along with establishing child representatives and a risk assessment questionnaire for services, is outlined in the draft law on child protection proposed by Sovereign Poland.
Bill “for the protection of children”
At Friday’s press briefing in the Sejm, Sovereign Poland lawmakers, Deputy Minister of Justice Marcin Romanowski, and MP Anna Siarkowska announced the introduction of a draft law titled “for the protection of children.”
As part of the presentation by #SuwerennaPolska, the new draft law includes a dedicated team to monitor and analyze the system for prosecuting violent crimes against children.
Romanowski stated that one of the central aims of the project is to scrutinize child abuse cases more closely.
“We must be wise to the harm”
The persistent call for Serious Case Review analyses in cases involving murder or serious harm to a child has begun to take shape. The aim is to be proactive—wise before harm occurs. The Institute of Justice has been conducting such analyses for months; the new proposal would introduce a formal legal obligation to do so.
Officials emphasized that the objective is to continuously evaluate the system for preventing and prosecuting violent crimes against children, repair shortcomings, and identify gaps on an ongoing basis.
Necessary procedures to protect children
Another element of the project concerns child protection standards. Romanowski highlighted that this is a long-standing demand from many groups focused on children’s rights—that schools and educational facilities have clear standards when there is suspicion of child abuse, and that procedures are in place to protect children and prevent the worst outcomes.
Establishment of child representatives
The proposed measures also address the institutions responsible for child and minor representatives. These actors require support, especially when the child cannot be represented by parents due to being a suspect.
Currently, if neither parent can represent the child in legal proceedings, a so-called probation officer steps in as the child’s representative, which may be a legal adviser or lawyer. The rules governing the status of such child representatives would be tightened, detailing required competencies, duties, and the rules for awarding rewards.
– noted in the Sovereign Poland communiqué.
Crimes against the disabled
The project also centers on crimes against people with disabilities. Statistics show that individuals with disabilities are more often targeted. The proposal strengthens provisions regarding guardians of persons with disabilities, specifies when a guardian should be appointed, outlines the selection process, and clarifies tasks.
– described in the communiqué.
“Risk Assessment Questionnaire”
At the conference, Romanowski added that the plan includes a “risk assessment questionnaire.”
Under Article 12a of the Anti-Violence Act, social services may remove a child if there is a danger to life or health. The draft would reintroduce a questionnaire similar to the one used in the anti-violence law 1.0 to determine whether the threat has materialized.
Romanowski explained that the aim is to prevent unjustified interference in family life while ensuring staff thoroughly analyzes the child’s situation and may remove the child from the family if the threat is real.
Proposed mandatory training for judges and preparation of a strategy
The draft would extend mandatory training for judges, including those in criminal divisions who hear cases in child-friendly settings. Training would also apply to family judges, with a focus on communicating with children and identifying violent situations. If possible, a requirement to listen to the child in family proceedings would be introduced.
Romanowski noted that there is also a push to require a comprehensive strategy, including a National Plan to combat violence against children and a parallel plan addressing sexual crimes against minors; the latter plan is already prepared.
“National Plan” already in social consultation
The communiqué indicated that the National Plan to combat crimes against sexual freedom and decency concerning minors for 2023-2026 is currently under social dialogue and inter-ministerial coordination and will be considered for adoption by the Council of Ministers soon.
Siarkowska asserted that passing the law in a comprehensive manner will help institutions learn, identify white spots, and pinpoint areas not functioning efficiently enough to counter abuse. She expressed hope that all deputies, regardless of party, will support the project and that it will not become a campaign issue in the upcoming election cycle.
The hope remains that the project will move quickly, gain broad political support, and effectively implement long-standing postulates aimed at protecting children and strengthening state institutions.
Romanowski added that the effort represents a decisive step away from fear and uncertainty surrounding domestic violence and a stronger stance by the state in supporting children.
rm/PAP