EVOLUTION OF CHILD PROTECTION MECHANISMS IN HONDURAS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article highlights the historical evolution of child protection in Honduras, moving from the doctrine of irregular situation to comprehensive protection, evidenced by significant legislative changes, such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Code on Children and Adolescents. The crucial role of the National Social Welfare Board is highlighted, transformed into the Honduran Institute for Children and the Family (IHNFA), and later abolished to make way for the Directorate of Children, Adolescents and Family (DINAF). ). The protection process has faced management challenges and the need for urgent reforms, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive and participatory review. The importance of adopting the Best Interests of the Child as a guiding principle is emphasized, highlighting its role in decision-making at the judicial, legislative and administrative levels. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for an institutional framework that responds to the crucial roles in the formulation of public policies and the attention to cases of violation at the national level, as well as the importance of a more comprehensive approach to children based on the Best Interests of the Child.