Seu d'Urgell Launches Comprehensive Child Protection Plan

The Seu d'Urgell town council is developing a Comprehensive Plan for the Protection of Children and Adolescents, led by psychologist and consultant Roger Naudí. The initiative builds on Spain's Organic Law for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents against Violence (LOPIVI), which mandates public institutions to safeguard children's right to integrity—a fundamental human right they cannot enforce alone.

Naudí, who holds a dedicated role at the council despite it lacking direct child protection authority, explained that the plan goes beyond existing protocols from 2012, now under revision. The council has engaged Espirales, a specialist firm, to conduct an audit of municipal spaces, entities, and services. This will produce a tailored protocol to anticipate risks and minimize violations in areas like schools, social services, and leisure activities.

The plan addresses various abuses, including physical maltreatment, sexual abuse, harassment, coercion, and bullying. Naudí stressed the need for professionals to identify issues swiftly and follow clear procedures, channeling cases to specialized social services or prosecutors rather than investigating themselves. "If there's evidence something is happening, we must act," he said, warning against retraumatization through inaction or improper questioning, which sends a child the message that "I've been harmed, and society hasn't protected me."

A social media video campaign highlights common pitfalls, such as parents wanting to "investigate" abuse allegations themselves to avoid ruining lives. Naudí countered that this risks further harm: "Would you want another family interrogating your daughter?" Crimes against children are public offenses, obliging everyone to report them.

The plan also covers institutional neglect, like failing to ensure access to education, healthcare, or basic needs, which constitutes violence. Schools and leisure centers bear responsibility during delegated care; inaction amid known bullying could lead to criminal liability through omission. Naudí anticipates future rulings holding institutions accountable as child rights gain stronger enforcement.

Post-harm support is key, especially for cumulative trauma like bullying, requiring hybrid psychological-legal roles. "No one should question a child about abuse, just as no one would medicate a child with gastroenteritis themselves," Naudí emphasized. The goal: normalize prevention and response so no child feels unprotected.