Puerto Rico sees surge in child exploitation cases amid pandemic lockdowns

The Comisión de Nombramientos convened on June 23, 2021, to discuss pressing issues related to child welfare and the appointment of Carmen Ana González as the new Secretary of the Family. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the rise in child exploitation cases in Puerto Rico, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iván Arvelo, the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Puerto Rico, reported a troubling increase in child exploitation incidents, attributing this surge to children's increased access to online platforms during lockdowns. He noted that as of April 6, 2021, the Department of the Family had received 658 more referrals for child abuse than the previous year, with a total of 4,595 referrals reported in 2021 alone.

In response to these alarming statistics, the Department of the Family is actively collaborating with ICE to address these cases. The Secretary emphasized the importance of training and updating staff to better handle the evolving challenges posed by increased online exposure for children and adolescents. The department is committed to enhancing its training programs and continuing to work closely with families and minors affected by these issues.

The meeting also addressed the administration of child support payments through ASUME, particularly concerning non-custodial parents relocating to other states, with Florida being the most common destination. The Secretary assured that ASUME is taking steps to track these parents to ensure they fulfill their financial responsibilities.

Additionally, discussions included strategies to promote the adoption of older children, who often face lower adoption rates. The Secretary is exploring legislative incentives to encourage adoption and is working on providing workshops for prospective adoptive parents to facilitate the process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat child exploitation and improve adoption rates, with a focus on training, collaboration, and legislative support. The Secretary expressed gratitude for the ongoing discussions and the commitment to addressing these critical issues in the community.