The Mallorca Island Council is committed to working closely with social organisations to promote protection and autonomy for children and adolescents through innovative projects and prevention strategies.
The president of the Institut Mallorquí d’Afers Socials (IMAS) and Councillor for Social Welfare of the Mallorca Island Council, Guillermo Sánchez, chaired today the Ordinary Plenary Session of the Observatory for Children and Adolescents of Mallorca (OIAM), held at the plenary hall of the Federation of Local Entities of the Balearic Islands (FELIB).
The OIAM is the advisory and participatory body of the Mallorca Island Council for matters concerning childhood and adolescence. It is made up of institutional representatives, social organisations, and experts, and its goal is to help define and evaluate public policies to guarantee the rights of children and adolescents on the island.
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IMAS
President Guillermo Sánchez highlighted that, “The Observatory is a key space for listening to the organisations working daily with children and youth in Mallorca. This session reflects the Council’s commitment to building solid, participatory public policies connected to the real needs of children and adolescents on the island.”
During the session, several high-impact social initiatives were presented by organisations and institutions working with vulnerable children and youth, many of them supported directly by IMAS or coordinated with the Mallorca Island Council.
One highlighted project was the “Nous Actius” (New Assets) program, led by the University-Business Foundation of the Balearic Islands (FUEIB), which provides digital skills training for youth aged 9 to 17. Funded by the European Union, this initiative has trained over 350 participants across 13 centres on the island as part of the Digital Environment pillar of the Plan for the Care and Rights of Children and Adolescents of Mallorca (PADIAM).
The Diagrama Foundation also presented results from its socio-occupational integration service for minors aged 14 to 17. Co-funded by the European Social Fund and IMAS, the program offers personalised guidance through over 300 placements and includes workshops and outings that enhance social skills and promote employment autonomy for at-risk or fostered youth. It also includes preventive actions regarding digital and emotional-sexual risk behaviours.
The session also featured the Service for Victims of Racial or Ethnic Discrimination, managed by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Island Council. This service provides support to children and adolescents who experience discrimination or bullying in school settings and is part of a national network promoted by CEDRE. Activities include mediation, awareness-raising, and the defence of human rights.
In the healthcare field, the Balearic Directorate General for Mental Health introduced the Comprehensive Addiction Plan for the Balearic Islands 2025–2032. Developed in coordination with island councils, this cross-sector strategy aims to prevent both substance-based and behavioral addictions (screens, gambling, etc.), particularly among youth. It forms part of the Health pillar of the PADIAM, promoting educational actions in and out of schools, and the early detection of addictive behaviours in children and adolescents.
Lastly, as part of its duties 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 Path, a category within the Social Action Awards of the Mallorca Island Council. The revision proposes to include inspiring life stories of individuals who have overcome exclusion, institutionalization, or violence, and who now serve as positive role models for young people.
With this plenary session, the Mallorca Island Council reinforces its commitment to childhood and adolescence policies and strengthens the OIAM as a key platform for participation, planning, and the continuous improvement of social services aimed at minors.