Puerto Rico committee discusses mandatory parenting education law to prevent child abuse
May 31, 2025 | House of Representatives, House, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico
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In the early morning light of May 30, 2025, the atmosphere in the chamber was charged with purpose as the Commission on Elderly Affairs and Social Welfare convened to discuss a pivotal piece of legislation. The focus of the meeting was Project 654, aimed at establishing mandatory workshops for responsible parenting. This initiative seeks to provide essential guidance to parents and guardians, fostering safe family environments and preventing child abuse.
As the session began, Representative Luis Junior Parejo Ortiz welcomed attendees, acknowledging the presence of key figures, including Dr. Carlos Rivera Otero from the Department of Family and legal advisor Hernández Biboni. Their expertise would be crucial as the commission delved into the implications of the proposed law.
Dr. Juan Carlos Malaver, a forensic sexologist and educator specializing in child abuse, took the floor to emphasize the importance of the legislation. He highlighted alarming statistics from the Department of Family, revealing that in the fiscal year 2022, there were 4,320 reported cases of child maltreatment, marking an increase to 8.3 cases per 1,000 minors. This rise, he noted, was predominantly due to neglect, which accounted for nearly 79% of cases, followed by emotional and physical abuse.
Malaver underscored the law's alignment with established developmental theories, asserting that a nurturing family environment is crucial for healthy socialization. He argued that without proper support and education for parents, the cycle of abuse and neglect could perpetuate, leading to long-term psychological and behavioral issues in children.
The discussions during this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures in child welfare. As the commission continues to evaluate the proposed law, the hope is that these workshops will equip parents with the tools necessary to foster healthier family dynamics, ultimately contributing to a safer future for Puerto Rico's children. The outcome of this legislative effort could mark a significant step forward in addressing the pressing issue of child maltreatment in the community.
As the session began, Representative Luis Junior Parejo Ortiz welcomed attendees, acknowledging the presence of key figures, including Dr. Carlos Rivera Otero from the Department of Family and legal advisor Hernández Biboni. Their expertise would be crucial as the commission delved into the implications of the proposed law.
Dr. Juan Carlos Malaver, a forensic sexologist and educator specializing in child abuse, took the floor to emphasize the importance of the legislation. He highlighted alarming statistics from the Department of Family, revealing that in the fiscal year 2022, there were 4,320 reported cases of child maltreatment, marking an increase to 8.3 cases per 1,000 minors. This rise, he noted, was predominantly due to neglect, which accounted for nearly 79% of cases, followed by emotional and physical abuse.
Malaver underscored the law's alignment with established developmental theories, asserting that a nurturing family environment is crucial for healthy socialization. He argued that without proper support and education for parents, the cycle of abuse and neglect could perpetuate, leading to long-term psychological and behavioral issues in children.
The discussions during this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures in child welfare. As the commission continues to evaluate the proposed law, the hope is that these workshops will equip parents with the tools necessary to foster healthier family dynamics, ultimately contributing to a safer future for Puerto Rico's children. The outcome of this legislative effort could mark a significant step forward in addressing the pressing issue of child maltreatment in the community.
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