Republic of Estonia Child Protection Act1
Passed 08.06.1992
RT 1992, 28, 370
Entry into force 01.01.1993
Amended by the following legal instruments (show)
| Passed | Published | Entry into force |
|---|---|---|
| 26.06.1996 | RT I 1996, 49, 953 | 26.07.1996 |
| 28.01.1998 | RT I 1998, 17, 264 | 08.03.1998 |
| 07.04.2004 | RT I 2004, 27, 180 | 01.05.2004 |
| 20.04.2006 | RT I 2006, 21, 162 | 01.06.2006 |
| 14.06.2007 | RT I 2007, 45, 320 | 20.07.2007 |
| 10.12.2008 | RT I 2008, 59, 330 | 01.01.2009 |
| 28.01.2009 | RT I 2009, 11, 67 | 01.05.2009 |
| 18.11.2009 | RT I 2009, 60, 395 | 01.07.2010 |
| 26.11.2009 | RT I 2009, 62, 405 | 01.01.2010 |
| 09.06.2010 | RT I 2010, 41, 240 | 01.09.2010 |
| 17.02.2011 | RT I, 21.03.2011, 3 | 01.01.2012 |
| 20.06.2013 | RT I, 11.07.2013, 1 | 01.09.2013 |
| 21.11.2013 | RT I, 13.12.2013, 5 | 23.12.2013 |
Part I GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 1. Purposes of Act
(1) The Republic of Estonia Child Protection Act provides for the internationally recognised rights, freedoms and duties of the child and protection thereof in the Republic of Estonia.
(2) This Act provides the basis for other legislation of general application of the Republic of Estonia concerning child protection.
§ 2. Age of child
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a child is a human being below the age of eighteen years.
(2) If the age of a person is unknown and there is reason to believe that the person is below the age of eighteen years, the person shall be deemed to be a minor until proven otherwise.
[RT I, 13.12.2013, 5 – entry into force 23.12.2013]
§ 3. Principle of child protection
Child protection is based on the principle that the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration at all times and in all cases.
§ 4. Organisation of child protection
Child protection is provided through state and local government bodies and non-governmental organisations.
§ 5. State child protection
(1) State child protection is legislative, investment and supervision activities financed from the state budget and the social fund for the organisation of children’s health care, education, work, rest, recreational activities and welfare.
(2) The Ministry of Social Affairs co-ordinates activities concerning state child protection.
§ 6. Child protection by local governments
(1) Child protection provided by local governments is the organisation of and supervision over child protection and assistance by the social services departments of the local governments.
(2) Child protection provided by social services departments shall be carried out by persons who have special qualifications and are suitable for such employment.
§ 7. Child protection by non-governmental organisations
Child protection is provided by non-governmental organisations in co-operation with the social services departments based on the provisions of this Act and of the statutes of the social services departments.
Part II RIGHTS OF CHILD
§ 8. Right of child to life and development
Every child has an inherent right to life, health, development, work and well-being.
§ 9. Right of child to identity
(1) Every child shall be registered immediately after birth in a medical care institution. Every child has the right from birth to a name, nationality, general education in his or her national culture, and to know and be cared for by his or her parents.
(2) The child shall be registered by a state agency during the first month of life.
§ 10. Equal right of child to receive assistance and care
The child has an equal right to receive assistance and care and to develop, regardless of his or her sex or ethnic origin, regardless of whether the child lives in a two parent family or single parent family, whether the child is adopted or under custody, whether the child is born in wedlock or out of wedlock, or whether the child is healthy, ill or disabled.
§ 11. Social rights of child
The child has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and experience. The child has the right and shall be accorded the opportunity to seek, receive and impart diverse humanistic information and to engage in organisations and movements.
§ 12. Right of child to rest and leisure
(1) Every child has the right to rest and leisure in order to engage in recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child in accordance with his or her health, wishes and opportunities.
(2) The child shall be guaranteed opportunities and conditions to engage in play.
§ 13. Right of child to privacy
(1) Every child has the right to privacy, acquaintances and friends.
(2) The right of the child to privacy shall not be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference which harms the child’s honour, dignity, convictions or reputation.
(3) Repeated blatant interference in the privacy of the child may provide grounds for administrative or disciplinary measures or for the deprivation of parental rights.
§ 14. Right of child to protection from economic, physical and mental exploitation
(1) The child shall be protected from economic exploitation and from performing work which is hazardous, beyond the child’s capabilities, harmful to the child’s development or may interfere with the child’s education.
(2) The child shall not be subjected to physical or mental exploitation.
§ 15. Right of orphan or child deprived of parental care to maintenance by state
An orphan or child deprived of parental care has the right to full maintenance by the state.
§ 16. Right of child to participate in development of child protection programmes
The child has the right to participate in the development of child protection programmes either personally or through a representative selected by the child.
§ 17. Restriction of social rights of child
(1) The social rights of the child may only be restricted on such bases as are provided by law, taking the child into consideration to:
1) protect the rights of other persons, including protection of reputation, if the actions of the child are apparently wrongful or malicious;
2) protect public order, morals and health;
3) guarantee the child’s own development.
(2) In disputes involving the restriction of the social rights of the child, the social services departments shall seek the opinion of an appropriate expert.
Part III DUTIES OF CHILD
§ 18. Duties of child toward his or her parents and family
(1) The child shall honour his or her parents and persons who contribute to raising the child as they shall honour the child.
(2) The child shall assist his or her parents, grandparents, siblings and persons responsible for raising the child who are in need of assistance.
§ 19. Duties of child towards society
The child is a worthy member of society. The duties of the child toward society evolve with the age of the child. The child shall:
1) fulfil his or her constitutional duties toward the Republic of Estonia;
2) respect public order and the law;
3) protect cultural property and the environment;
4) observe behavioural norms and the regulations of his or her place of residence, work and education.
§ 20. Child and fellow human beings
(1) The child shall treat his or her fellow human beings with respect.
(2) In exercising his or her rights, the child shall not harm the legal interests and rights of other children or adults.
§ 21. Child and work
(1) Voluntary work appropriate to the age of the child is an important condition for the normal development of the child. The child shall care for himself or herself and shall participate in the common activities and work of his or her family.
(2) The state and local governments shall create conditions necessary for work by the child. The social services departments shall monitor compliance of work performed by children with the requirements for safety and health at work and with the principles of this Act.
§ 22. Compulsory school attendance of child
The child shall attend school in accordance with the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act.
[RT I 2010, 41, 240 – entry into force 01.09.2010]
§ 23. Duty of child to maintain his or her health
Every child shall maintain and not harm his or her health in order to become a worthy perpetuator of life.
§ 231. Restriction of freedom of movement of minors
(1) Children are required to observe public order.
(2) It is prohibited for a minor under 16 years of age to be in a public place from 23.00 to 06.00 without being accompanied by an adult. During the period from 1 June to 31 August, it is prohibited for a minor to be in a public place from 00.00 to 05.00 without being accompanied by an adult.
(3) Local governments have the right to temporarily shorten the restriction of movement provided for in this section.
(4) Upon non-observance of the requirement provided for in this section, administrative liability shall be imposed pursuant to § 142 of the Code of Administrative Offences.
[RT 1998, 17, 264 – entry into force 08.03.1998]
Part IV CHILD AND FAMILY
§ 24. Support of families with children
(1) The natural environment for the development and growth of the child is the family. Families with children shall receive protection and support from the state.
(2) The recording and support of families in need of assistance shall be organised by the social services departments.
§ 25. Getting to know child
(1) The parents or caregivers of a child are required to get to know and understand the child in order to competently support the child’s development. For such purpose, they have the right to receive consultation free of charge from a social services department.
(2) The state and local governments shall promote the development of children with special abilities and talents through special programmes and benefits.
§ 26. Single parent families
Single parent families and two parent families have an equal obligation to raise and care for their children.
§ 27. Separation of child from family
(1) The child and his or her parents shall not be separated against their will except if such separation is in the best interests of the child, if the child is endangered and such separation is unavoidable, or if such separation is demanded by law or a judgment which has entered into force or is subject to immediate execution.
[RT I 2008, 59, 330 – entry into force 01.01.2009]
(2) If a child is separated from his or her parents, the opinions and wishes of the child shall be heard and annexed to the documentation concerning the separation. The opinions of the child shall be heard and documented by a social services department.
(3) The justification for the separation of the child shall be monitored by the social services departments.
§ 28. Relations with parents who are separated
A child who is separated from one or both parents has the right to maintain personal relations and contact with both parents and close relatives, except if such relations harm the child.
§ 29. Right to obtain information concerning absent parent
The child has the right to obtain information concerning an absent parent, unless this is detrimental to the well-being and development of the child or violates the confidentiality of adoption.
§ 30. Relations with parents residing in different states
(1) A child whose parents reside in different states has the right to direct contacts and personal relations with both parents.
(2) For the purpose of family reunification, the child or his or her parents have the right to freely leave the Republic of Estonia or enter the Republic of Estonia pursuant to the established procedure.
Part V TREATMENT AND PUNISHMENT OF CHILD
§ 31. General principle of treatment of child
(1) Every child shall at all times be treated as an individual with consideration for his or her character, age and sex. It is prohibited to humiliate, frighten or punish the child in any way which abuses the child, causes bodily harm or otherwise endangers his or her mental or physical health.
(2) If an adult treats a child in a prohibited manner, the social services departments are competent to intervene in order to resolve the conflict and, if necessary, to apply for punishment of the person at fault under administration or criminal procedure.
(3) A child who has suffered violent treatment or mistreatment shall be accorded necessary assistance.
(4) An adult who treats a child violently shall also receive counselling in order to prevent further mistreatment.
§ 32. Child in danger
(1) A child is in need of immediate assistance if:
1) the child is in a situation which endangers his or her life or health;
2) the child endangers his or her health and development through his or her own behaviour or actions.
(2) On the decision of a competent employee of the social services department, a child who is in danger shall be placed in safety immediately until such a time as the danger passes or a decision regarding the care of the child is made, without request of the consent of the child’s parents or caregivers.
§ 33. Protection from sexual abuse
(1) The child shall be protected from all forms of sexual exploitation; the following is prohibited for adults:
1) inducement of a child to engage in sexual activity;
2) exploitative use of children in prostitution;
3) exploitative use of children for pornographic purposes.
[RT I 2007, 45, 320 – entry into force 20.07.2007]
(2) According to the Punishment Register Act, the legal representative of a child shall have the right to obtain data on the punishment record of another person concerning sexual offences if he or she has a legitimate interest therefor based on the protection of the child. A legitimate interest exists, above all, if the child is under supervision of another person without the presence of a legal representative.
[RT I, 21.03.2011, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]
§ 34. Punishment of child
(1) A child who has committed a legal offence is personally responsible for his or her actions unless otherwise provided by law.
(2) If a child who has committed a criminal offence is punished, criminal punishment, particularly imprisonment, shall be used only as a measure of last resort and is to be avoided.
(3) In the case of a child who has committed a criminal offence, measures such as counselling, probation, reconciliation, custody and educational programmes for the prevention of legal offences shall first be applied.
§ 35. Use of expert opinions in determining punishment for child who has violated law or in determining fate of child
(1) Before a child is separated from his or her parents, the liberty of a child is restricted or a child’s case is heard in court, a teacher or psychologist and a physician shall be commissioned to evaluate the child’s condition and to present recommendations in order to find the best solutions and apply the most effective sanctions.
[RT I, 11.07.2013, 1 – entry into force 01.09.2013]
(2) An expert opinion is required in all court cases involving a minor, and the social services departments shall monitor compliance with this requirement.
§ 36. Restricting liberty of child
(1) The parents, guardian or caregiver of a child and the social services department shall be notified immediately if the child is detained or his or her liberty is restricted.
(2) If the liberty of a child is restricted, including if the child is imprisoned as a measure of last resort, the child shall not be deprived of living and developmental conditions appropriate to the age of the child.
§ 37. Treatment of child in detention
(1) A child whose liberty is restricted or who is detained shall be treated in a manner appropriate for a child, without harm to his or her dignity.
(2) A child who is detained shall be guaranteed free access to meet with his or her parents, persons close to him or her, his or her guardian or caregiver, and shall be guaranteed nutritious food and requisite medical and spiritual assistance.
(3) A child in detention shall be separated from adults in detention.
(4) Every child who is released from detention shall receive support and assistance from his or her parents, persons close to him or her, his or her guardian or caregiver and from the social services department in organising his or her life.
§ 38. Monitoring of living conditions of child in detention or with restricted liberty
Representatives of social services departments may monitor the living conditions of a child who is in detention, has restricted liberty or is in a special educational institution and may issue precepts if necessary.
Part VI CHILD AND EDUCATION
§ 39. Right of child to education
Every child has the right to an education which develops the child’s mental and physical abilities and forms a healthy personality, including:
1) develops respect for the child’s parents, fellow human beings, himself or herself and all living things;
2) develops respect for the child’s native language, the Estonian national culture and other languages and cultures;
3) prepares the child for an independent life in a free society in the spirit of tolerance, equality and respect for human rights;
4) teaches the child to protect nature, the environment and his or her health.
§ 40. Freedom of study
(1) Instruction shall not involve physical violence or mental abuse.
(2) Instruction shall not be ideologically biased or promote hate or violence.
§ 41. Principles of instruction
Instruction shall focus on the individual, take into consideration the differences between the sexes and be based on recognition of the students’ achievements.
§ 42. Qualifications of teachers and educators of children with special needs
The teachers and educators of children with special needs shall comply with the requirements established by law or pursuant to law and be suitable for such employment.
[RT I 2004, 27, 180 – entry into force 01.05.2004]
§ 43. Admission of child to employment
(1) A child who has completed general education and who does not wish or is not able to continue with his or her studies may be admitted to employment pursuant to law.
(2) [Repealed - RT I 2009, 11, 67 – entry into force 01.05.2009]
§ 44. Organisation of work for children
(1) Schools are required to notify the social services departments of all children who discontinue general education before completion.
(2) [Repealed - RT I 2009, 11, 67 – entry into force 01.05.2009]
(3) The social services departments are required to assist children who do not study or work in organising their education and employment.
Part VII CHILD AND ENVIRONMENT
§ 45. Right of child to clean environment
(1) Future generations have the right to a clean environment.
(2) All persons and institutions are required to avoid harming the environment in their activities in order not to violate the right of born and unborn children to a full life, health and development.
§ 46. Protection of environment of child
(1) Representatives of the social services departments shall participate in the development, evaluation and approval of projects involving the interests of children.
(2) The social services departments have the right to apply for the termination of projects which may harm the environment or apparently endanger a person’s health or development.
(3) Rooms, buildings and structures intended for use by children shall be suitable and healthy for the child; their design, construction, and interior decoration shall be based on the characteristics, interests, health and needs of the child, and their establishment shall be co-ordinated with the social services departments.
(4) Environmental factors which harm the health and development of children shall be rendered safe.
(5) Public buildings, roads and means of transport shall be adapted to accommodate baby carriages and strollers and other similar means of locomotion.
§ 47. Food for child
(1) The state and local governments shall guarantee healthy drinking water and the minimum variety of nutritious foods recommended by the Ministry of Social Affairs for children being below the age of three years.
(2) All packaging of food intended for children shall include the exact ingredients, caloric energy and possible contraindications of the product.
(3) The child shall be provided the opportunity to maintain a special diet.
§ 48. Inadmissibility of promotion of violence
(1) It is prohibited in the Republic of Estonia to manufacture or sell toys which imitate objects used to destroy people and other living beings. Exceptions may be made for sports equipment and equipment for games of skill if used for the intended purpose.
(2) It is prohibited to manufacture or show printed matter, films, audio and video recordings and objects which promote cruelty and violence, intended for children.
(3) Pursuant to law, the officials of the Consumer Protection Board, police authorities and social services departments authorised by rural municipality councils or city councils shall monitor adherence to the requirements provided for in subsections 47 (2), 48 (1) and (2), and 50 (1) of this Act.
[RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010]
§ 49. Child and mind-altering substances
All possible measures shall be taken to protect children from the use of narcotic drugs, toxic and psychotropic substances and to prevent the use of children in the production and trafficking of such substances.
§ 50. Child and obscenity
(1) It is prohibited in Estonia to produce or distribute obscene (pornographic) materials, printed matter and films for or among children.
(2) It is prohibited to use children in the production and distribution of obscene materials.
§ 51. Social guarantees for child
The child has the right to social guarantees, which shall be regulated by corresponding legislation of the Republic of Estonia.
§ 511. Restriction on working with children
(1) A person who has been punished or to whom coercive treatment has been imposed for a criminal offence provided for in §§ 133–1333, 141–1451, 175, 1751 or 178–179 of the Penal Code, the information concerning punishment of which has not been deleted from the punishment register according to the Punishment Register Act or the information concerning punishment of which has been deleted from the punishment register and entered in the archives of the punishment register, may not be a person working with children, including a child protection official.
(2) A person working with children is a person in direct contact with children in the course of his or her work or professional activities and also a person in direct contact with children in the course of voluntary activities, serving in alternative service, providing employment services or practicing as a trainee.
(3) If an activity licence is required for working with children for the purposes of subsection (2) of this section, the person authorised to issue the activity licence shall monitor adherence to the restriction provided for in subsection (1) of this section.
[RT I, 13.12.2013, 5 – entry into force 23.12.2013]
Part VIII DISABLED CHILD
§ 52. Right of disabled child to active life and opportunities equal to those of able children
(1) The physically or mentally disabled child has the right to life in conditions which promote dignity, self-reliance and development.
(2) The disabled child shall have opportunities for education, development and self-realisation equal to those of able children.
§ 53. Care for disabled child
(1) The disabled child has the right to special care in accordance with the child’s specific needs. The child and his or her caregiver shall have access to multifaceted social, medical and spiritual assistance.
(2) The specific educational and living arrangements and conditions for the disabled child shall be regulated by the statutes of the corresponding schools and educational institutions, and other legislation, in accordance with the principles of this Act.
§ 54. Satisfaction of needs of disabled child
(1) Public buildings, roads and means of transport used by disabled children shall be adapted to accommodate movement by wheelchair, crutches or other aids.
(2) Buildings intended for use by children shall include special facilities to satisfy the sanitary needs of the disabled child.
§ 55. Expenditures for disabled child
(1) The parents of a disabled child have the right to paid care for the child at home if the child is not able or permitted to attend an institution for children due to his or her disability.
(2) The parents or caregivers of a disabled child shall receive support from the state for care and instruction of the child at home in accordance with the law.
§ 56. Adoption of disabled child
A disabled child may be adopted pursuant to general procedure, in which event the social services departments shall first thoroughly explain the nature and consequences of and special requirements for care of the disability to the adoptive parents.
§ 57. Disabled offenders
Disabled young offenders shall be placed in health care institutions or child care institutions designated for this purpose.
Part IX CHILD ASSISTANCE
§ 58. Objective of assistance
The objective of child assistance, including the objective of guardianship and custody, is to ensure the child’s security, development and well-being, considering the needs and wishes of the child, and to support the child’s development into an independent adult.
§ 59. Notification of child in need of assistance
(1) Every person is required to immediately notify the social services departments, police or some other body providing assistance if the person knows of a child who is in need of protection or assistance.
(2) The social services departments have the right and are required to act immediately, regardless of the region or group to which the child belongs.
§ 60. Treatment of child being assisted
A child being assisted shall not be degraded or have his or her helplessness or dependence emphasised or otherwise be treated in an insulting manner.
§ 61. Support family or support person
(1) The social services departments may assist the child in finding a suitable support family or support person who shall voluntarily endeavour to resolve the child’s problems and shall assist and support the child.
(2) In the designation of a support family, the wishes of the child and the suitability of the support family or support person shall be taken into consideration.
(3) The social services department shall enter into a contract with the support family or support person.
§ 62. Shelters (safe houses)
(1) Temporary assistance, support and protection shall be provided to the child by shelters (safe houses), the activities of which shall be regulated by a corresponding statute.
(2) The management of a shelter (safe house) is required to advise the social services departments and police department of the place of residence of the child of any child who enters the shelter (safe house).
§ 63. [Repealed - RT I 2009, 60, 395 – entry into force 01.07.2010]
§ 64. Parental contact
(1) A child who is being assisted has the right to contact with his or her parents and close relatives, except if such contact
1) endangers the health and development of the child;
2) endangers the security of caregivers or the staff or other children of the social welfare institution.
(2) The social services departments and care institutions shall take all measures to promote the initiation and continuation of contacts between the child and his or her parents and close relatives, but they have the right to restrict such contacts on the grounds provided for in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The social services departments may refuse to disclose the whereabouts of a child to his or her parents or close relatives on the grounds provided for in subsection (1) of this section.
§ 65. Continued care
(1) After termination of guardianship, the social services departments shall provide the child with continued care to assist and provide advice to the child in organising his or her life.
(2) Continued care shall be provided to all children who are released from detention or special care.
§ 66. [Repealed - RT I 2009, 60, 395 – entry into force 01.07.2010]
§ 67. Refugees
(1) If a child is considered to be a refugee in accordance with international or national law, the child shall receive protection and assistance regardless of whether the child is accompanied or unaccompanied by his or her parents or any other person.
(2) The social services departments shall begin to trace the child’s parents or other family members and determine possibilities for the child’s return.
(3) If the child’s parents are not found, the child shall be accorded the same protection as is accorded to any other child who has been temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment.
Part X IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD PROTECTION ACT
§ 68. Regulation of details concerning implementation of Child Protection Act
Details concerning the implementation of this Act shall be regulated by the Government of the Republic of Estonia.
§ 69. Resolution of disputes arising from implementation of Child Protection Act
Disputes arising from the implementation of this Act shall be resolved by the social services department in the territory of which the dispute arises, or, if necessary, by a county court.
[RT I 2008, 59, 330 – entry into force 01.01.2009]
§ 70. Supervision over this Act
The Government of the Republic of Estonia shall supervise the implementation of this Act.
§ 71. Entry into force of Act
This Act enters into force on 1 January 1993.
1Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, and child pornography, replacing the Council Framework-Decision 2004/68/JHA (OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1–14), correction (OJ L 18, 21.01.2012, p. 7). [RT I, 13.12.2013, 5 – entry into force 23.12.2013]
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