Child welfare agency to lose 10% of its budget, affecting some 5,000 children

March 30^th, 2015 (InsideCostaRica.com) Costa Rica’s child welfare agency known as PANI is set to lose 10% of its entire budget as a result of a series of budget cuts totaling ¢61 billion (~$115 million USD) by the Financial Affairs Committee of the Legislative Assembly.  The agency will lose ¢6 billion (~$11.3 million) in funding, which will affect the services provided to some 5,000 children, according to statements by PANI.

PANI Executive President, Ana Teresa León, told the committee that the cuts could result in a critical situation for the entity, which is facing a number of challenges including a lack of mental health services and substance abuse programs for children, according to the press office of the Legislative Assembly.