The president of the Institut Mallorquí d’Afers Socials (IMAS) and Minister of Social Welfare of the Consell de Mallorca, Guillermo Sánchez, chaired today the ordinary session of the Childhood and Adolescence Observatory of Mallorca (OIAM), held in the plenary hall of the Federation of Local Entities of the Balearic Islands (FELIB).
The OIAM is the consultative and participatory body of the Consell de Mallorca regarding childhood and adolescence. It is composed of institutional representatives, social entities, and experts, and its purpose is to help define and evaluate public policies that guarantee the rights of children and adolescents on the island.
IMAS president Guillermo Sánchez emphasised that “the Observatory is a key space for listening to the organizations that work daily with children and adolescents in Mallorca. This plenary session reflects the Consell de Mallorca’s commitment to shaping strong public policies, created in collaboration with stakeholders and responsive to the real needs of the island’s young people.”
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IMAS Strengthens the Protection of Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights in Mallorca
During the session, several high-impact social initiatives were presented, promoted by organizations and institutions working with children and adolescents in vulnerable situations—many of them directly supported by IMAS or coordinated with the Consell de Mallorca.
One of the standout projects was the “Nous actius” (New Assets) program, run by the University-Business Foundation of the Balearic Islands (FUEIB). The program provides digital skills training for youth aged 9 to 17. It is part of a series of projects funded by the European Union and has trained more than 350 participants in thirteen centers across the island. It falls under the “Digital Environment” axis of the upcoming Childhood and Adolescence Care and Rights Plan of Mallorca (PADIAM).
The Diagrama Foundation also presented results from its social and labor integration service for youth aged 14 to 17, co-financed by the European Social Fund and IMAS. The project currently provides personalized guidance to over 300 participants and includes workshops and outings to strengthen social skills and employment autonomy for minors under state care or at risk. It also incorporates preventive actions regarding digital and affective-sexual risk behaviors.
Additionally, the Service for Victims of Racial or Ethnic Discrimination, managed by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Consell de Mallorca, was presented. This service supports children and adolescents who have suffered discrimination or bullying in educational settings. It is part of a nationwide network promoted by CEDRE and offers mediation, awareness-raising, and human rights advocacy.
In the health sector, the General Directorate of Mental Health introduced the Comprehensive Addictions Plan of the Balearic Islands 2025–2032, a cross-sector tool developed in collaboration with the island councils. It is aimed at preventing both substance and behavioural addictions (screens, gambling, etc.), particularly among youth. This strategy forms part of the “Health” axis of the PADIAM and promotes educational actions both inside and outside of schools, as well as early detection of addictive behaviours in children and adolescents.
Finally, as part of its mission to monitor, analyse, and propose improvements to public policies affecting child and adolescent welfare and rights, the OIAM approved a proposal to revise the criteria for awarding the Recognition for an Exemplary Life Trajectory, included in the Social Action Awards of the Consell de Mallorca. The update aims to include inspiring life paths of individuals who have overcome exclusion, institutionalisation, or violence, and who now serve as positive role models for young people.
With this plenary session, the Consell de Mallorca reaffirms its commitment to child and youth policies and strengthens the OIAM as a key body for participation, planning, and the continuous improvement of social services for minors.