The Child Protection System in the Slovak Republic

Abstract This chapter explores the child protection system in the Slovak Republic. Following the split with Czech, Slovakia’s documents on the protection of children’s rights are based on the EU’s European Charter of Fundamental Rights and the UNCRC’s optional protocols. Additionally, Slovak children are a target of socio-legal protection which protects the rights and legitimate interests of minors. Intervention is required in line with the failure of the natural family environment to preserve the children’s rights and needs. The chapter expounds on the legislative changes that sparked the process of transformation and deinstitutionalization of substitute care. The legislation is based on the principles or preferences like a natural family environment or substitute care.