Children and Adolescents

Individuals under 18 years of age arriving in Brazil without being accompanied by their mother, father, or other legal guardian need to seek specialized support as soon as possible. They should immediately contact the Federal Public Defender’s Office (DPU) or, if this is not possible, another child and adolescent protection agency or network, including the Federal Police, the Guardianship Council, the Advanced Post of Humanized Assistance to Migrants (PAAHM), and the Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance (CREAS). This contact is necessary to guarantee specialized protection and support in the documentation process. For more information, access the Guide for Identification, Care and Protection of Children and Adolescents from other countries in Brazil.

Children and adolescents can be victims of physical or psychological abuse, such as beating, sexual abuse, humiliation and intimidation. Abuse can also be the result of carelessness, abandonment or negligence. Furthermore, child labor is one of the most common violations of children’s rights, which is not permissible under any circumstances. We emphasize that in Brazil, children and adolescents are protected by Law 8.069/90 – Children and Adolescents Law.

Support contacts:

• Human Rights hotline (100). In addition to the number 100, you can file a complaint through the site by filling out an online form.
• Crime Reporting hotline (181).
• Public Defender’s Office (DPU). To find out which one is closest to you, access here.
• State Public Defender’s Office (DPE). Consult in your state where the DPE is closest to you.
• Childhood and Youth Courts. Consult in your state where the Courts closest to you is.