Child protection sector described as operating in post-traumatic stress by senior official

At a Wednesday hearing of the parliamentary committee examining the systemic crisis in child protection, Gyurkó Szilvia, the state secretary responsible for children’s rights, described the sector as being in a post-traumatic stress state, with officials constantly forced to select the least harmful option. She highlighted that some individuals have deliberately chosen the child-protection system, believing it offers a low-risk environment for abusing minors.

Despite using harsh language to characterize the system’s condition, she emphasized that frontline professionals continue to operate beyond limits to safeguard children. Gyurkó argued that any professional intervention can succeed only if workers feel listened to, their opinions matter, they are secure, and their expertise is recognized. She called for strengthening the system by bolstering and supporting its staff.

Additionally, she pointed out that while birth rates decline in Hungary, the number of children entering protection does not, suggesting deepening risk, and that a growing share of cases involve complex trauma such as abuse, neglect, drug use and criminal behavior. The committee approved a proposal to hear former officials Balog Zoltán, Pintér Sándor and Novák Katalin at future meetings.