Sancti Spíritus is in the final stages of preparing its inaugural Emergency Shelter for children and teenagers facing vulnerable situations. This facility is designed to deliver immediate care and temporary protection in instances of emergency, severe risk, or abandonment.
The news was released on Thursday by local authorities through the Vitral, which included statements from Yosvany Rodríguez Herrera, the province's Director of Education.
"The civil works are fully completed, and now we're focusing on the interior preparations," the official explained.
Rodríguez highlighted that the renovation involved various institutions, along with contributions from both state and non-state actors, to ready the facility.
A Safe Haven for Youth in Crisis
The center will act as a transitional home for minors encountering emergencies or serious risks while authorities assess each situation to decide the appropriate care measures.
"The primary goal is to ensure a protective environment and support family reintegration for the minor, depending on the situation," Rodríguez stated.
The building has been refurbished with distinct areas based on age and gender, aiming to provide privacy and security for the children and teens housed there.
Comprehensive Support and Evaluation
An expedited protocol will be used for admissions and discharges, involving a multidisciplinary team of professionals from Health, Social Work, Psychology, and Education to evaluate each case.
This team will be responsible for conducting diagnostic assessments and offering socio-emotional support and specialized guidance during the minors' stay.
Furthermore, a multifaceted group including representatives from Education, the Prosecutor's Office, Health, the child care system, and community organizations will review each case to devise suitable strategies, focusing on child protection and, where feasible, family reunification.
The center will also employ educators, teaching assistants, and staff dedicated to meals and other necessary daily operations.
Regulatory Framework and Implementation
According to the provincial Director of Education, this team will also help minors develop habits, social norms, and routines during their time at the shelter.
The establishment of such institutions is part of the enforcement of Law 178, the Code of Childhood, Adolescence, and Youth, approved by the National Assembly on July 18, 2025, and published in the Official Gazette on January 28, 2026.
This law sets the institutional framework for protecting children and adolescents and includes alternative care options when they cannot remain in standard family care settings.
Resolution 62/2025 by the Ministry of Education specifically governs these care models, classifying urgent or temporary shelters among them.
The resolution mandates that these centers provide immediate attention and provisional protection in emergencies or severe risk while a permanent care solution is determined. It also limits capacity to 12 minors and a maximum stay of 30 days.
The regulations require specialized staff in Social Work, Psychology, Health, and Education, separate spaces by age and gender, accelerated entry and exit protocols, multidisciplinary evaluations, and regular monitoring of each child's emotional and personal situation.
This model was introduced earlier this year in other regions. In Havana, the first Emergency Shelter opened in July in the Diez de Octubre municipality, also under the implementation of Law 178 and Resolution 62.
FAQs on Emergency Shelter for Vulnerable Youth in Sancti Spíritus
What is the primary purpose of the Emergency Shelter in Sancti Spíritus?
The main objective is to provide a safe and protective environment for vulnerable minors while also supporting their potential reintegration into their families.
Who will manage and support the children in the shelter?
A multidisciplinary team including professionals from Health, Social Work, Psychology, and Education will manage and support the children, ensuring comprehensive care and evaluation.
How long can minors stay at the Emergency Shelter?
Minors can stay at the shelter for a maximum of 30 days while a permanent care solution is determined.