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Juvenile law in Sintra follows the national Portuguese legal framework that governs the rights, protection and responsibilities of children and young people. It covers two main areas - child protection (cases where a child or young person is at risk) and juvenile justice (cases where a young person is accused of committing a crime). Proceedings focus on the best interests of the child, prioritizing protection, education and social reintegration over punishment. Local institutions involved include the Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens - CPCJ - local social services, the Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) and the Family and Minors Courts (Juízos de Família e Menores) that serve the Sintra area.
A lawyer can be essential in many juvenile matters because these cases involve sensitive rights, strict procedures and important long-term consequences for the child or family. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- Child protection proceedings opened by a CPCJ or the Public Prosecutor concerning neglect, abuse, abandonment or serious family conflict.
- Criminal proceedings or police investigations involving juveniles who are suspected of committing an offence.
- Family law disputes where the child’s welfare is central - custody, parental responsibilities, visitation or removal of parental rights.
- Appeals against administrative or court decisions that affect a child - for example placement, foster care or educational measures.
- Representation at CPCJ meetings, police questioning, court hearings or when negotiating support plans and services with social services or schools.
- Accessing legal aid and ensuring procedural rights - for example the right to be heard, to confidentiality, and to legal representation.
Juvenile matters in Sintra are handled under Portugal’s national legal framework. Key features relevant locally include:
- Age and responsibility - Persons under 18 are considered minors. Criminal responsibility generally begins at 16 years of age. Young people under 18 are treated under special juvenile procedures that prioritize education and rehabilitation.
- Best interest principle - All decisions must prioritize the child’s best interests, as set out in the Constitution, civil law and international instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Child protection system - The CPCJ is the local body that evaluates reports of children at risk and may propose protective measures. The Public Prosecutor can also initiate protection proceedings in court.
- Family and Minors Courts - These courts decide on protective measures, parental responsibility disputes and certain juvenile justice matters. Hearings are generally private and the law provides special procedural safeguards for minors.
- Measures and sanctions - For protection cases, measures can range from family support and supervision to foster care or placement. For juvenile offenders, the emphasis is on educational measures and support - for example supervision, guidance, community work or, in limited cases, placement in a secure educational facility.
- Confidentiality and records - Juvenile proceedings usually have confidentiality protections and records are handled differently from adult criminal records to promote rehabilitation and future reintegration.
- Role of public authorities - The Ministério Público plays a central role in initiating and supervising proceedings involving minors. Social services, schools and health services are also important partners in delivering protective or rehabilitative measures.
Any legal matter where the primary subject is a person under 18 can be considered a juvenile case. That includes child protection matters - where a child is at risk - and juvenile justice matters - where a young person is suspected of committing an offence. Family law proceedings that focus on custody or parental responsibilities because of a child’s welfare are also treated as juvenile-related.
In Portugal criminal responsibility generally starts at 16. Young people between 16 and 18 are subject to the juvenile justice system, which applies special procedures and measures that emphasize education and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Children under 16 are handled through protective and educational measures, not criminal punishment.
The Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ) are local bodies that receive reports about children at risk, assess the situation and propose protective measures. They can work with families to create support plans and, if necessary, refer cases to the Public Prosecutor to start court proceedings. The CPCJ aims to promote the child’s well-being and to prevent escalation to formal court measures when possible.
If the police want to question a child, you should request that a lawyer and the parent or legal guardian be present. Minors have the right to legal representation and special procedural safeguards. Contact a lawyer experienced in juvenile matters immediately. If you cannot pay, ask about legal aid - the court or Public Defender system can explain eligibility and procedures.
Yes, a child can be removed from their home if authorities determine there is a serious risk to their safety or development. Removal should be a last resort. Initial steps often include support measures for the family. If removal is necessary, social services and the CPCJ will arrange alternative care such as placement with relatives, foster care or institutional care, always aiming to minimize disruption and preserve family ties where possible.
No. Juvenile and family hearings are typically held in private to protect the child’s identity and future. Courts and agencies take steps to keep records confidential and limit public access to information about minors involved in proceedings.
Yes. If a parent or guardian is suspected of abuse, neglect or other crimes against a child, they may face criminal investigation and charges. Separately, child protection proceedings can be opened to protect the child. It is important for parents to seek legal advice in such situations since criminal exposure and protective measures may occur simultaneously.
Look for lawyers who list family law, child protection or juvenile justice among their areas of practice. You can contact the Ordem dos Advogados to find accredited attorneys and to ask about legal aid options. Many local law firms in the Lisbon district including Sintra provide initial consultations - bring any court papers, CPCJ reports, medical or school records to the first meeting.
Bring the child’s identification (birth certificate or citizen card), any court or CPCJ documents, police reports if relevant, school records, medical or psychological reports, and notes about incidents, dates and people involved. A clear timeline and copies of any formal communications help the lawyer assess the case and advise on next steps.
Timing varies widely depending on the case complexity. Some CPCJ interventions and family support measures can be arranged quickly, while court proceedings - particularly contested cases or criminal matters - can take months. Emergency protective measures can be immediate, but longer-term placement or rehabilitation measures require ongoing review. Your lawyer can give a more specific estimate based on the specifics of your case.
When seeking help in Sintra, the following types of organizations and bodies can be valuable:
- Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ) - local Sintra commission for reports and support.
- Ministério Público - the Public Prosecutor’s Office handles protection and juvenile justice proceedings.
- Juízo de Família e Menores - Family and Minors Court serving the Sintra area for court decisions.
- Instituto da Segurança Social and municipal social services - for family support, foster care and social benefits.
- Ordem dos Advogados - for lawyer referral services and information about legal aid and professional standards.
- Schools, health centres and child psychology services - for reports and support assessments used in proceedings.
- Non-governmental organizations focused on child welfare and family support - these organizations often provide counselling and practical assistance.
If you need legal assistance with a juvenile matter in Sintra, here are practical next steps:
- Gather documentation - collect ID, school and medical records, any correspondence, police reports or CPCJ paperwork.
- Contact the appropriate local body - if the situation is an immediate danger, call emergency services; for risks that are not immediate, report concerns to the local CPCJ or social services.
- Seek legal advice - contact a lawyer experienced in juvenile law. If you cannot afford one, ask about legal aid through the Ordem dos Advogados or the court’s legal aid system.
- Attend meetings and hearings - participate in CPCJ meetings or court hearings and bring supporting documents. A lawyer can represent the minor’s interests and advise on what to say or submit.
- Follow recommended support plans - cooperate with social services, school and health professionals to show engagement with protective or rehabilitative measures.
- Keep records - note dates, contacts, meetings and any incidents. Good records help your lawyer and the authorities understand the facts.
If you are unsure where to start, call the local CPCJ or consult a lawyer for an initial assessment. Acting promptly and with professional guidance helps protect the child’s rights and increases the chance of a constructive outcome.
