Children in Polish Legislation

Poland has developed a national family policy. The government is in a continuous process of improving and developing legislation concerning the family. Children's welfare, rights, privileges and responsibilities are guaranteed in the Constitution, The Family and Protection Code, The Penal Code, The Code of Civil Procedures, The Code of Work and many additional Acts, Amendments and regulations. Basically, the intention of the lawmakers is securing equal rights for all children (whether they are born in marriage or out-of-wedlock) against any forms of discrimination, emphasizing children's welfare as_ the primary societal concern. Family planning and Hmited abortion (during the first trimester) are practiced. According to the legislation, children's protection begins in the prenatal period. Thus, the physical health of expectant mothers is incorporated into the law (free health care for pregnant women, maternity leaves for working mothers, etc.). Families with children qualify for family allowances. Single mothers are protected by procedures securing alimonies for their children. Both parents (married or divorced) are equally responsible for their children's well-being. In cases of child abuse the court can limit parental control. There are also special laws regulating the types and time of work performed by teenagers (15 - 17 years old). Education at the primary level is mandatory. Juvenile delinquents' cases are treated by the courts with the underaged delinquents' benefit in mind. In spite of this progressive and humanitarian approach in legislation, there exists a discrepancy between the good intentions of the law and its application. in social practice. Areas of neglect or difficulties in im-. posing established rules include rural areas with insufficient health care, child care, and lower quality of educational institutions. Inadequate services for the family, shortages of basic consumer goods, overcrowded apartments, and overworked parents are among the most common obstacles in making the concern for children's welfare a reality. The legislation has symptoms of spontaneity, with laws and amendments continually supplementing The Family and Protection Code, and added as a result of interest grOl.-p pressure, social unrest, and strikes. Overlooking the declared equality of sexes and equal responsibilities of both parents, more rules apply to mothers than to fathers. Insubstantial infrastructure assisting families and insufficient financial support create a situation where everyday practice is distant from the advanced promises of the law-makers

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