Czech child protection cases reach multi-decade high amidst legal reforms

Czech authorities reported over 10,000 cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the past year, marking a multi-decade high. State agencies removed 3,616 children from their homes, an increase of 300 from the prior year. Experts emphasized that official metrics capture only a fraction of cases, pointing to a shortage of specialized support services and clear operational guidelines. Analysts remain divided on whether the increase reflects growing social instability or heightened public awareness.

Simultaneously, legislative reforms are moving forward. Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc proposed reducing the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for severe violent offenses, drawing debate between legal advocates and policy proponents. Additionally, President Petr Pavel signed a law raising the national parental allowance by 50,000 Czech korunas to 400,000 korunas.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy.