The Ombudsman’s Office detected deficiencies in two shelters of the National Children’s Trust (PANI)of the Chorotega Regional Directorate, as part of a series of inspections carried out by the institution during 2026 in different institutional protection centers.
Among the most relevant findings, the Ombudsman’s Office indicated that a shelter does not meet the appropriate conditions for the care of adolescentsdue to failures in the electrical system, instability of the terrain, overcrowding in rooms and non-compliance with technical parameters established in Law 7600.
According to the entity, these conditions represent a risk both for minors, as well as for the staff in charge of their care.
Based on these findings, it was determined need to temporarily relocate the shelter population to another propertywhile the necessary improvements are made. Later, it was confirmed that the center was closed and its transferred occupants.
In addition, the institution indicated that in another shelter in the same region, minor works were carried out, such as correcting the layout of the electrical panel, in order to improve security conditions.
Regarding what was stated by the Ombudsman’s Office, the PANI indicated that “in order to raise infrastructure standards and comply with the improvement provisions of the Ministry of Health, it was decided to temporarily transfer the population to a new physical space in the area. This decision seeks to guarantee that minors live in environments that meet the highest levels of quality.”
“The shelter maintains its usual operation, the assigned staff and all its care protocols, simply under a new roof while the path of permanent improvements for the previous headquarters is defined,” they added.
In addition, they indicated that they are preparing, in a timely manner, the report for the Ombudsman’s Office.
Inspections are part of the plan
The inspections are part of a plan that includes visits to centers located in Liberia, Guácimo, Desamparados, Puriscal and Heredia, with the aim objective of verifying compliance with the rights of minors and the conditions in which officials work.
After each evaluation, the institution manages the implementation of corrective measures before PANI and monitors compliance.
During the proceedings, there were also staff interviews using verification instruments to evaluate aspects such as professional care, food, education, hygiene, recreation and rest spaces for minors.
The Ombudsman emphasized the importance of guaranteeing adequate conditions in these centersas these are spaces intended for the protection of populations in vulnerable situations.
