Hungary Ombudsman suspects physical abuse at the children’s home

April 19, 2011

Comment: The article covers the inquiry of the Parliamentary Commissioner Mate Szabo – also responsible for children’s rights – in the children’s home of “Cseppko street”. This home houses 120 children from age three to twenty four in family-like arrangements. The inquiry was initiated after two child’s deaths were reported late last year, following the change in management. The inquiry – which included site visits – found evidence of serious verbal abuse while suspicions of physical abuse were also raised. Though this last point is mentioned in the title, it remains only one and not detailed finding of the inquiry. It did find that children do not get enough psychological counselling, they are basically unattended in the afternoons, their free time is un-organised. Overall the article gives the impression that children are neglected due to under-staffing at the institution. One improvement noted by the ombudsman – compared to an earlier inquiry – is that the food children get is more varied and children are being asked what they preferred. Still the amount of fruits and vegetables is low.

The ombudsman made several requests: the current legislation of guardianship is not clear enough: there are custodians that have parental rights, while the director of the institution seems to take on the legal guardianship of the children. Also, the professional supervisory service, TEGYESZ cannot initiate legal action if it finds certain employees in breach of their professional responsibilities, i.e. there is no recourse for wrongdoing. The ombudsman also asked for an increase in staff.

Comments: Judit Almasi, Head of Tdh Regional Office for C/SEE.