11: Bolivia’s journey towards effective child protection: challenges and opportunities

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This chapter examines the current state and prospects of child protection systems in Bolivia, a low- to middle-income country with a 39 per cent child and adolescent population. Despite efforts to provide compulsory and free education, significant disparities persist, particularly in rural areas, compounded by high rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, child labour and violence. Legal frameworks, including the 2014 Child and Adolescent Code, and systems like SIPPROINA have been established to address these issues. However, implementation challenges such as central government dependency, unclear planning, high personnel turnover and conflicts in indigenous territories hinder progress. The response to violence often leads to family separation, with foster care being underdeveloped, resulting in extended residential care stays. This chapter underscores the need for Bolivia to enhance its child protection system through data-driven strategies, cultural sensitivity, child participation and multi-actor collaboration to ensure the safety and well-being of its children and adolescents.

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