Family risk and lack of parental care: when can the Peruvian State step in to protect a child?
Decreto Legislativo 1297 separates two situations. In a risk of losing parental care («riesgo de desprotección familiar»), a child's rights are threatened but not seriously: the State supports the family and never removes the child for that reason. In a lack of parental care («desprotección familiar»), the harm is serious: the child can be removed temporarily and placed in foster or residential care, and a judge reviews that decision. Poverty alone never justifies separating a child from their family.
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Peruvian State portal (gob.pe) · El Peruano
Checked 12 Oct 2026Next review 12 Jan 2027
What is still unverifiedThis page is not legal advice and does not assess your case. We read Decreto Legislativo N.º 1297 in its original El Peruano publication (30 December 2016), stored in this site's norm registry from the PDF published on gob.pe: it is the original text, not an updated one. The decree was amended later and we did not read those amendments. According to other sources on this site, without our having read their text: Ley N.º 32017 (published, according to those sources, on 10 May 2024) would have amended articles 30, 41, 55 and 63, which deal with the work plan, the duration of measures and the maximum length of care placements; Ley N.º 30690 (5 December 2017) would have amended articles 96, 123, 124 and 140; and Emergency Decree (Decreto de Urgencia) N.º 001-2020 also amended the decree, as Decreto Supremo N.º 003-2023-MIMP states, but we did not check which articles it changed. That is why this page gives no time limits and no maximum duration for protective measures: they may have changed. We do not rule out other amendments. Of the regulation (Decreto Supremo N.º 001-2018-MIMP) we read only articles 23 and 164 and the Fourth Transitional Complementary Provision, in the wording given by Decreto Supremo N.º 003-2023-MIMP (El Peruano, 1 March 2023); we did not check whether Decreto Supremo N.º 006-2024-MIMP or another norm changed them afterwards. Which DEMUNA is accredited for risk procedures and where a Special Protection Unit exists depends on the place, and we did not verify it.
Two different situations: risk and lack of parental care
Decreto Legislativo 1297 has a stated aim: to protect children without parental care or at risk of losing it, «priorizando su derecho a vivir, crecer y desarrollarse en el seno de su familia» (prioritising their right to live, grow and develop within their family) (art. 1). To do that, it separates two situations that are handled very differently.
| Aspect | Risk of losing parental care («riesgo») | Lack of parental care («desprotección familiar») |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The child’s rights are threatened or affected, but «sin revestir gravedad» (not seriously) (art. 3 f) | Those responsible fail, cannot or perform badly their duties of care, and this «afecta gravemente» (seriously affects) the child (art. 3 g) |
| Is the child removed? | No. State support is given «sin que en ningún caso justifique la separación» (without it ever justifying separation) (art. 3 f) | Yes, temporarily: it involves «la separación temporal» (temporary separation) and support for the family so the child can return (art. 3 g) |
| Who handles it | The accredited DEMUNA (art. 11.1); where none is accredited, the MIMP’s UPE on a transitional basis (regulation, as worded by D.S. 003-2023-MIMP) | The MIMP’s Special Protection Unit (Unidad de Protección Especial, UPE); where the MIMP has not taken over, the court (First Transitional Complementary Provision) |
| Measures | Parenting support for the family, access to health, education and care services, psychological support, social programmes, among others (art. 32) | Foster care or residential care (arts. 50 and 59) |
| Parental authority | The decree does not provide for suspending it in risk cases (our reading) | Suspended automatically by the provisional declaration (art. 51); lost only if a judge declares a lack of parental care (art. 100) |
Two limits apply to both: poverty alone is not a lack of parental care and does not justify separating a child from their family, and neither does the disability of the child or of a relative (art. 3 g). And separation is the last resort: only when «todos los medios posibles para mantenerlo en su familia, no han surtido efecto o han sido descartados» (all possible means of keeping the child in the family have failed or been ruled out) (art. 4 i).
Who acts
- DEMUNA. It handles risk procedures and collaborates in lack-of-care procedures (art. 11.1). The decree requires it to be accredited by the MIMP (art. 11.1) and provided that it would take over risk cases progressively, under the MIMP’s rules (Sixth Final Complementary Provision). Under the regulation, in its 2023 wording, the DEMUNA must refer lack-of-care situations to the UPE, «incluso aquellas que se valoran luego de iniciado el procedimiento por riesgo» (including those identified after a risk procedure has started) (art. 23.5).
- The MIMP’s Special Protection Units (UPE). They are the former Guardianship Investigation Units, renamed by the decree (Fifth Final Complementary Provision). The MIMP acts in both risk and lack-of-care procedures (art. 11.2). In 2023 the MIMP said UPE jurisdiction over lack-of-care cases had been decentralised to twenty-five jurisdictions (recitals of D.S. 003-2023-MIMP).
- Family or mixed courts. They ratify or reject the provisional declaration (art. 52), make the final declaration of lack of parental care and order the protective measure (art. 11.5) and, where the MIMP has not taken over, handle the lack-of-care procedure themselves (First Transitional Complementary Provision).
- Public Prosecutor’s Office. Family or mixed prosecutors check that due process and the child’s rights are respected, and can challenge decisions and ask for measures to be changed or ended (art. 11.4).
- Ministry of Justice Public Defence. It assigns a defender for the child and a different one for the family if the family asks for free defence (art. 11.3).
How a lack-of-care case moves forward
- Report. Anyone must report the suspected situation, and the child can do it themselves «sin que se le exija requisito alguno» (without any requirement) (art. 17).
- Assessment. The authority assesses the situation of the child and the family, including the extended family (art. 47). The child must be heard in a special session before any decision, even a provisional one (art. 7).
- Provisional declaration. If a lack of parental care is found, the decision orders foster or residential care and a work plan aimed at returning the child to the family (art. 50). That decision cannot be challenged in the administrative stage (art. 50), and it brings State guardianship and the automatic suspension of parental authority (art. 51). Where harm is «inminente y grave» (imminent and serious), the measure is ordered as urgent from the start (art. 45).
- Judicial control. The file goes to the family or mixed court, which ratifies the declaration or not (art. 52); meanwhile the declaration remains in effect. The judge can approve it, change the measure, or reject it and order the case closed or a risk procedure opened (art. 56). That ruling can be appealed, without suspending it (art. 57).
- Work plan and review. Measures «deben ser periódicamente revisadas» (must be reviewed periodically) (art. 4 h) and can be changed at a party’s request (art. 61).
- Outcome. Either the child returns to the family or, if return is not possible or is against their best interests, a judicial declaration of lack of parental care is sought (art. 92). Only that judgment declares loss of parental authority and, where appropriate, adoptability (art. 100), and it can be appealed (art. 103).
We do not give the time limit for each stage or the maximum length of a care placement: the text we read is the 2016 original and several of those articles were amended later (see the warning above).
Foster care and residential care
- Foster care (acogimiento familiar). It takes place in a foster family «mientras se trabaja para eliminar las circunstancias que generaron la desprotección familiar» (while work is done to remove the circumstances that caused the lack of care) (art. 3 j). It can be with an extended family assessed favourably, with a third party declared suitable, or professionalised (art. 65).
- Residential care (acogimiento residencial). It is temporary and takes place in a care centre, «en un ambiente similar al familiar» (in a family-like environment) (art. 3 k). Centres can be public, private or mixed, and the MIMP accredits and supervises them (art. 77).
The decree prefers foster care to residential care (art. 58 d) and, for children under three, foster care is the preferred measure (art. 62).
The rights of the family and the child
The family of origin has the right to be informed about the procedure and notified of decisions, to keep in contact with the child, to have a lawyer or public defender, to take part in the work plan and to challenge decisions (art. 6). Every decision must give its reasons (art. 9), and the parties can see the file and ask for a hearing (art. 14).
The child has, among other things, the right to their own public defender, to give their opinion and be heard, to keep up relationships with their family and to ask for the measure to be changed or lifted (art. 5). When a decision does not match the child’s opinion, it must explain why (art. 9).
How to file
- If there is violence or immediate danger, report that firstAn assault can be family violence or a crime, with its own complaint route and protective orders. See this site's page on family violence.
- For a possible risk, go to the DEMUNAAn accredited DEMUNA handles risk procedures (art. 11.1). Where none is accredited, the MIMP's UPE takes risk cases on a transitional basis; if there is no UPE either, the DEMUNA handles the case as a rights violation (regulation, Fourth Transitional Complementary Provision, as worded by D.S. 003-2023-MIMP).
- If the child has already been removed, ask for the case number and a copy of the decisionEvery decision must give its reasons (art. 9), and the parties can see the file and ask for a hearing (art. 14). Note who issued it: the Special Protection Unit or, where the MIMP has not taken over, the court.
- Ask for a lawyer or a public defender straight awayIt is a right of the family of origin (art. 6, letter d), and the Ministry of Justice assigns a free public defender if you ask (art. 11.3, letter b). Deadlines to challenge decisions are a few business days under the regulation's 2023 wording (art. 164) and may have changed since; confirm them with your defender as soon as you receive a decision.
- Take part in the work plan and ask for visitsYou have the right to take part in the individual work plan and to have your opinion considered (art. 6, letter e), and to keep in contact with the child (art. 6, letter c; art. 83). If a relative can look after the child, put them forward for foster care with the extended family (art. 65, letter a).
- Challenge what you think is wrongIn the administrative stage you can file reconsideration and appeal, which do not suspend the decision while they are resolved (art. 109). The judge's ruling on the provisional declaration can also be appealed (art. 57), as can the judgment declaring a lack of parental care (art. 103).
What people fail to ask in time
If what is happening at home is violence, do you know a family-violence complaint is a separate route, with its own protective orders?
Find out before it matters →What most people believe — and what the law says
If I am poor, the State can take my children.
No. The decree says poverty «en ningún caso justifica, por sí sola, la separación» (in no case justifies, on its own, separating) a child from their family, «ni constituye desprotección familiar» (nor is it a lack of parental care), and that the State must bring those families into social protection programmes (art. 3, letter g).
If someone tells the DEMUNA, they will take the child away.
It depends on how serious it is. In a situation of risk, the law says State support is given «sin que en ningún caso justifique la separación» (without it ever justifying separation) of the child from their family (art. 3, letter f). Separation is only possible in a lack of parental care, which requires serious harm.
Once the MIMP takes a child, they put the child up for adoption.
The provisional declaration is temporary and the work plan aims at returning the child to the family (arts. 3 g and 54). Only a judge can declare a lack of parental care and, «de ser el caso» (where appropriate), adoptability (art. 100). Before that, a child cannot be adopted.
Parents have no say in the procedure.
Article 6 gives them, among other things, the right to be informed and notified, to keep in contact with the child, to have a lawyer (or a free public defender) and to take part in the work plan.
If the child has a disability, the State can remove them to give them better care.
The decree forbids it: «en ningún caso se separa» (in no case is) a child separated from their family «por la sola razón de su discapacidad o la de cualquiera de sus miembros» (solely because of their disability or that of any family member) (art. 3, letter g).
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit my child while they are in care?
In principle, yes. A child in foster or residential care has the right «a ser visitados por su padre, madre» (to be visited by their father, mother) and other relatives (art. 83). Visits can only be restricted by the competent authority, with a reasoned decision, and never as a disciplinary measure (art. 85). If they are restricted, you can challenge that decision (art. 86).
I cannot afford a lawyer. Can I get one assigned?
Yes. The family of origin can ask for a public defender (art. 6, letter d). The Ministry of Justice assigns one who is different from the child's defender when the family asks for free legal defence (art. 11.3, letter b).
Who decides whether my child comes home?
The provisional declaration is issued by the administrative authority, but it is sent to the family or mixed court to ratify it or not (art. 52). The judge can approve it, change the measure, or reject it and close the case (art. 56). Only a judge can make the final declaration of lack of parental care (arts. 11.5 and 100).
Can I ask for the measure to change, for example for my child to move from a care home to their grandmother's?
Yes. The authority can change the measure «de oficio o a pedido de parte» (on its own initiative or at a party's request) when circumstances have changed, and that decision can be challenged (art. 61). The decree prefers foster care to residential care (art. 58, letter d) and provides for foster care with the extended family after a favourable assessment (art. 65, letter a).
We are foreigners. Does this law apply?
Yes. Protection covers every child «dentro del territorio nacional» (within national territory), without discrimination by nationality (art. 4, letter d). If the child is a foreign national, the authority must coordinate with the child-protection authorities of their country to arrange their return, and the consulate takes part (art. 16).
I saw a child I think is in danger. Do I have to report it? Will they know it was me?
The decree requires everyone to report the suspected situation «inmediatamente» (immediately) (art. 17). The regulation, in its 2023 wording, says reports go to the UPE or the DEMUNA and that they may keep the reporter's identity confidential «cuando el caso lo requiera» (when the case requires it) (D.S. 003-2023-MIMP, art. 23).
Will my child be given a forensic medical exam?
Not within this procedure. Article 23 says that «en ningún supuesto» (under no circumstances) is the child subjected to forensic medical examinations to establish whether a crime was committed. If there are signs of a crime, the Public Prosecutor's Office is informed and acts separately.
The exact law
Decreto Legislativo N.º 1297Articles 1, 47, 54, 59 and 77read
Purpose of the decree; the assessment includes the extended family; the plan aims at return; types of measures; residential care centres
«La presente Ley tiene por objeto brindar protección integral a las niñas, niños y adolescentes sin cuidados parentales o en riesgo de perderlos a fin de garantizar el pleno ejercicio de sus derechos; priorizando su derecho a vivir, crecer y desarrollarse en el seno de su familia. [...] La evaluación de la situación socio familiar de la niña, niño o adolescente debe comprender a los miembros de su familia, incluida la familia extensa [...] Dicho plan se orienta a lograr el retorno de la niña, niño o adolescente a su familia [...] Las medidas de protección tienen el carácter de provisionales y son las siguientes: [...] Los centros de acogida residencial pueden ser de carácter público, privado o mixto, sujetos a acreditación, supervisión y sanción por parte del Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables.»
↳Article 3, letters f) and g)read
Definitions of risk and of lack of parental care; poverty and disability do not justify separation
«Es la situación en la que se encuentra una niña, niño o adolescente donde el ejercicio de sus derechos es amenazado o afectado, ya sea por circunstancias personales, familiares o sociales, que perjudican su desarrollo integral sin revestir gravedad, y no son o no pueden ser atendidos por su familia. Esta situación requiere la actuación estatal adoptando las medidas necesarias para prevenir la desprotección familiar, sin que en ningún caso justifique la separación de la niña, niño o adolescente de su familia de origen. [...] Es la situación que se produce de hecho a causa del incumplimiento o del imposible o inadecuado desempeño de los deberes de cuidado y protección por parte de los responsables del cuidado de los niños, niñas y adolescentes y que afecta gravemente el desarrollo integral de una niña, niño o adolescente. La situación de desprotección familiar tiene carácter provisional e implica la separación temporal de la niña, niño o adolescente de su familia para su protección [...] La situación de pobreza, en ningún caso justifica, por sí sola, la separación de la niña, niño o adolescente de su familia de origen, ni constituye desprotección familiar. [...] Asimismo, en ningún caso se separa a una niña, niño o adolescente de su familia por la sola razón de su discapacidad o la de cualquiera de sus miembros.»
↳Article 3, letters j), k) and l)read
Foster care, residential care and adoptability
«Es una medida de protección que se aplica de acuerdo con el principio de idoneidad, que se desarrolla en una familia acogedora mientras se trabaja para eliminar las circunstancias que generaron la desprotección familiar. Puede ser una medida temporal o permanente. [...] Es una medida de protección temporal aplicada de acuerdo al principio de idoneidad que se desarrolla en un centro de acogida, en un ambiente similar al familiar. [...] Es la condición que adquiere la niña, niño o adolescente declarado en desprotección familiar, al haberse determinado, mediante una evaluación psicosocial, que la adopción es la medida de protección más idónea»
↳Article 4, letters d), h) and i)read
Principles: equal protection regardless of nationality, periodic review, separation as a last resort
«Todas las niñas, niños o adolescentes que se encuentren dentro del territorio nacional, tienen derecho a la protección del Estado ante situaciones de riesgo o de desprotección familiar, sin discriminación alguna por motivos de raza, sexo, género, color de piel, idioma, religión, nacionalidad [...] deben ser periódicamente revisadas. [...] El principio de necesidad implica que la separación de la niña, niño o adolescente de su familia, sea dispuesta únicamente cuando todos los medios posibles para mantenerlo en su familia, no han surtido efecto o han sido descartados.»
↳Article 5, letters e), f) and j), and article 7read
Rights of the child: a public defender, being heard, asking for the measure to change
«Contar con un defensor público que le brinde asesoría especializada y lo represente durante la actuación estatal. f) Opinar, ser escuchado y que dicha opinión sea tomada en cuenta en todas las decisiones que se tomen, así como en la elaboración del plan de trabajo individual. [...] Solicitar la variación o remoción de la medida de protección adoptada. [...] Antes que se proceda a emitir la decisión sobre la situación de riesgo o desprotección familiar, incluso provisional, la autoridad competente debe escuchar, en su propio lenguaje, la opinión de la niña, niño o adolescente en una diligencia especial»
↳Article 6read
Rights of the family of origin during the procedure
«a) Ser informados de los alcances y desarrollo del procedimiento por riesgo o desprotección familiar que se seguirá a favor de la niña, niño o adolescente. b) Ser notificados de todas las decisiones que se tomen en el procedimiento, excepto aquellas de mero trámite o las dictadas para impulsar el procedimiento. c) A mantener contacto con la niña, niño o adolescente. d) Contar con un abogado que los asista en la defensa de sus intereses durante la actuación estatal. Para tal efecto, pueden designar al abogado de su elección o en su defecto, solicitar que se les asigne un defensor público. e) Participar en la elaboración e implementación del plan de trabajo individual y que su opinión sea valorada por el equipo responsable de la evaluación de dicho plan. f) Presentar los recursos impugnatorios que le faculte la presente Ley y la Ley del Procedimiento Administrativo General.»
↳Articles 9 and 14read
Every decision must give reasons; parties can see the file and ask for a hearing
«Todas las resoluciones administrativas o judiciales que se emitan en los procedimientos por riesgo o desprotección familiar deben estar expresamente motivadas, bajo responsabilidad. [...] Las partes tienen derecho a acceder al expediente durante la tramitación del procedimiento. Asimismo, en el curso del procedimiento, se debe dar audiencia de oficio o a solicitud de las partes.»
↳Article 11 (paragraphs 11.1 a), 11.2 b), 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5 b))read
Who acts: DEMUNA, MIMP, Ministry of Justice Public Defence, prosecutors and family courts
«Actuar en los procedimentos por riesgo y colaborar en la actuación para la protección de niñas, niños o adolescentes en situación de desprotección familiar, a través de las Defensorías Municipales del Niño y del Adolescente (DEMUNA) [...] b) Actuar en los procedimientos por riesgo y desprotección familiar. [...] Designar defensores públicos especializados que asuman la defensa legal de las niñas, niños o adolescentes en los procedimientos por desprotección familiar y adopción. b) Designar una defensora o defensor público, distinto al que representa los intereses de la niña, niño o adolescente, cuando la familia de origen solicite la defensa legal gratuita. [...] Realizar un control del respeto de las garantías del debido proceso [...] c) Impugnar las decisiones que considere que afectan los derechos de la niña, niño o adolescente. d) Solicitar se adopten, varíen, suspendan o cesen las medidas de protección [...] b) Declarar judicialmente la desprotección familiar y disponer la aplicación de la medida de protección.»
↳Articles 16, 17 and 23read
Foreign children and consulates; duty to report; no forensic medical exams in this procedure
«Tratándose de niñas, niños y adolescentes extranjeros en situación de riesgo o desprotección familiar, la autoridad competente debe coordinar en lo que corresponda, con las autoridades competentes que velan por la protección en su país de origen para lograr su retorno. [...] Toda persona natural o jurídica, deben comunicar inmediatamente a la autoridad competente, la presunta situación de riesgo o desprotección familiar en que se pudiera encontrar una niña, niño o adolescente. La propia niña, niño o adolescente también puede comunicar la situación de riesgo o desprotección familiar en la que se encuentre, sin que se le exija requisito alguno. [...] Para efectos de los procedimientos que se establecen en la presente ley, en ningún supuesto, se les somete a reconocimientos médicos legales, ni evaluaciones o diligencias orientadas a determinar si se cometió el delito.»
↳Article 32read
Protective measures in situations of risk
«a) Apoyo a la familia para fortalecer competencias de cuidado y crianza. b) Acceso a servicios de educación y salud para niñas, niños y adolescentes. c) Acceso a servicios de atención especializada. d) Apoyo psicológico a favor de la niña, niño o adolescente y su familia. e) Acceso a servicios para prevenir y abordar situaciones de violencia. f) Acceso a servicios de cuidado. g) Acceso a servicios de formación técnico productivo para la o el adolescente y su familia. h) Inclusión a programas sociales i) Otras que fueran necesarias.»
↳Articles 45, 50 and 51read
Provisional lack of parental care: urgent measure, foster or residential care, State guardianship and suspension of parental authority
«Frente a una situación de inminente y grave afectación de derechos de la niña, niño y adolescente, la resolución que da inicio al procedimiento, declara excepcionalmente [...] la desprotección familiar provisional y dicta la medida de protección con calidad de urgente. [...] se remite para pronunciamiento al Juez de Familia o Mixto. [...] la cual es inimpugnable en vía administrativa. Dicha resolución debe disponer la aplicación de la medida de acogimiento familiar o residencial, según corresponda en aplicación del principio de idoneidad. [...] La resolución que declara la desprotección familiar provisional de una niña, niño o adolescente produce la asunción automática de la tutela estatal por parte de la autoridad competente. Asimismo, produce de forma automática, la suspensión de la patria potestad o de la tutela.»
↳Articles 52, 56 and 57read
The family judge ratifies or rejects the provisional declaration; that ruling can be appealed
«se remite copias del expediente al Juzgado Especializado de Familia o Mixto, para que emita pronunciamiento ratificando o no dicha declaración. [...] La solicitud de pronunciamiento no suspende los efectos de la declaración de la desprotección familiar provisional [...] c) Desaprobar la declaración de desprotección familiar provisional y ordenar el archivamiento del procedimiento por desprotección familiar o el inicio del procedimiento por riesgo. [...] la que puede ser apelada, sin efecto suspensivo»
↳Articles 58 d), 61, 62 and 65read
Preference for foster care, changing the measure, children under three, and types of foster care
«Se prefiere la aplicación del acogimiento familiar respecto del acogimiento residencial. [...] La autoridad competente puede remover o variar la medida de protección de oficio o a pedido de parte, en cualquier estado del procedimiento, mediante resolución debidamente motivada cuando las circunstancias objetivas que la motivaron se hubieran modificado. La decisión puede ser impugnada por las partes. [...] La medida de protección provisional que se aplica preferentemente a niñas y niños menores de tres (3) años de edad es el acogimiento familiar. [...] Esta medida de protección se aplica con aquella familia extensa que ha sido evaluada favorablemente para asumir el cuidado y protección de la niña, niño o adolescente.»
↳Articles 83, 85 and 86read
Family visits during care and how restrictions are challenged
«La niña, niño o adolescente en acogimiento familiar o residencial tienen derecho a mantener relaciones personales y a ser visitados por su padre, madre, otros miembros de la familia de origen o extensa y otras personas. [...] El derecho de visitas no puede ser restringido en la aplicación de medidas disciplinarias. [...] Las restricciones del derecho de visitas y salidas pueden ser impugnadas por las partes ante la autoridad competente»
↳Articles 92, 100 and 103read
Judicial declaration of lack of parental care: loss of parental authority and adoptability; appeal
«Cuando del seguimiento y evaluación del plan de trabajo individual se determine que no existe posibilidad de retorno de la niña, niño o adolescente a su familia, o sea contrario a su interés superior, corresponde promover la declaración judicial de desprotección familiar. [...] La desprotección familiar de la niña, niño o adolescente, la pérdida de la patria potestad o la extinción de la tutela y aprobación o modificación de la medida de protección recomendada. De ser el caso, declara su adoptabilidad. [...] La resolución judicial que se pronuncia sobre la desprotección familiar puede ser apelada ante la autoridad judicial competente»
↳Article 109read
Administrative remedies: reconsideration and appeal, which do not suspend the decision
«Los recursos que se pueden interponer en un procedimiento por riesgo o desprotección familiar son: a) Reconsideración b) Apelación La interposición de estos recursos no suspenden las decisiones adoptadas en el procedimiento por riesgo o por desprotección familiar.»
↳Fifth and Sixth Final Complementary Provisions and First Transitional Complementary Provisionread
Special Protection Units; DEMUNAs take on risk cases progressively; courts act where the MIMP has not taken over
«se denominan a partir de la vigencia de la presente Ley, Unidades de Protección Especial y Dirección de Protección Especial [...] Las Defensorías del Niño y del Adolescente asumen de manera progresiva la competencia por riesgo establecida en el artículo 11 de la presente Ley [...] El Poder Judicial asume la competencia de los procedimientos por desprotección familiar, en aquellos lugares donde el Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables no haya asumido competencia»
Decreto Supremo N.º 003-2023-MIMPArticle 2 (articles 23 and 164 and Fourth Transitional Complementary Provision of the Regulation of D. Leg. 1297)read
Who to report to: UPE or DEMUNA; the reporter's identity can be kept confidential; the UPE handles risk cases where no DEMUNA is accredited
«Toda persona natural o jurídica debe comunicar en forma inmediata las situaciones de riesgo o desprotección familiar a la UPE o la DEMUNA, según corresponda. La UPE o DEMUNA puede reservar la identidad de la persona que comunica una situación de riesgo o desprotección familiar, cuando el caso lo requiera. [...] Las situaciones de desprotección familiar, incluso aquellas que se valoran luego de iniciado el procedimiento por riesgo. [...] Las Unidades de Protección Especial asumen, de manera transitoria y de acuerdo a su competencia territorial, los procedimientos por riesgo, en tanto no se acredite una DEMUNA para este procedimiento en su ámbito de competencia territorial. Cuando la DEMUNA no ha sido acreditada y no exista en la jurisdicción una UPE, la DEMUNA atiende el caso por vulneración de derechos [...] Resolución que no pone fin al procedimiento por riesgo o desprotección familiar, tres (3) días hábiles.»
↳Recitals (considerandos)read
Emergency Decree N.º 001-2020 amended D. Leg. 1297; UPE jurisdiction over lack-of-care cases was decentralised to 25 jurisdictions
«Que, mediante Decreto de Urgencia N° 001-2020 se modifica el Decreto Legislativo N° 1297 [...] al haberse desconcentrado la competencia por desprotección familiar de las Unidades de Protección Especial en veinticinco (25) jurisdicciones»
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What this page already lets you do
- Name the rule that protects you
- Copy the exact article and send it
- Follow the steps, in order
What this page does not give you yetThis page is not legal advice and does not assess your case. We read Decreto Legislativo N.º 1297 in its original El Peruano publication (30 December 2016), stored in this site's norm registry from the PDF published on gob.pe: it is the original text, not an updated one. The decree was amended later and we did not read those amendments. According to other sources on this site, without our having read their text: Ley N.º 32017 (published, according to those sources, on 10 May 2024) would have amended articles 30, 41, 55 and 63, which deal with the work plan, the duration of measures and the maximum length of care placements; Ley N.º 30690 (5 December 2017) would have amended articles 96, 123, 124 and 140; and Emergency Decree (Decreto de Urgencia) N.º 001-2020 also amended the decree, as Decreto Supremo N.º 003-2023-MIMP states, but we did not check which articles it changed. That is why this page gives no time limits and no maximum duration for protective measures: they may have changed. We do not rule out other amendments. Of the regulation (Decreto Supremo N.º 001-2018-MIMP) we read only articles 23 and 164 and the Fourth Transitional Complementary Provision, in the wording given by Decreto Supremo N.º 003-2023-MIMP (El Peruano, 1 March 2023); we did not check whether Decreto Supremo N.º 006-2024-MIMP or another norm changed them afterwards. Which DEMUNA is accredited for risk procedures and where a Special Protection Unit exists depends on the place, and we did not verify it. See the sources ↑