CPCJ
Published 4 November 2026, 03:07
CPCJ — Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (child and youth protection commission)
A local commission that steps in when a child may be in a difficult or dangerous situation. It is made up of people from the câmara, schools, health services, the police and community organisations, and almost every concelho has its own. It works through protective measures rather than punishment, and can only take on a case with the parents' consent and if the young person does not object; without consent, the case goes to the public prosecutor and the courts.
Where you come across it. A report about a child from a school, hospital or the police; a conversation with social services; your own report if a child near you is in danger.
The commission looks at the child's living conditions, not at the adults' papers: a report to the CPCJ does not mean the child will be taken away. The national child helpline number is 116 111.
Official website: cnpdpcj.gov.pt/cpcj