Elijo ser cambio: Conversatorio de Artistas Plásticos & Subasta Silente (mar. 14, 2026)
Red por los Derechos de la Niñez y la Juventud de Puerto Rico (The Network for the Rights of Children and Youth in Puerto Rico) is a non-profit organization founded by social worker and human rights advocate Marcos Santana. It is focused on addressing, preventing, and ending child abuse in Puerto Rico through a range of innovative, evidence-based programs.
La Red promotes systemic change to eliminate abuse through three programmatic components: direct services and innovation, training and technical assistance, and public policy.
We implement programs and education to eradicate child abuse before it occurs, ensuring safe environments for all.
We provide resources and support to families to strengthen their bonds and prevent unnecessary separations safely.
We offer specialized services to heal trauma in youth survivors of violence, driving their well-being and empowerment.
Founder Marcos Santana Andújar, builds an alliance to unite all shelters for children with a shared vision.
Assemblies and reflections held with a group of committed leaders on the issues of shelters and child protection
La Red de Albergues, Instituciones y Centros para Menores was officially registered in the Department of State under the laws of the government of Puerto Rico in 2014, with the purpose of providing technical assistance, joint funding proposals to improve services to children in shelters, and advocacy on behalf of children.
La Red reaches an impact of services to 2,500 children living with violence and was part of the team that drafted the National Plan for the Prevention of Abuse.
La Red integrates other organizations, expanding its membership and consolidating itself as the most coordinated network for the care and prevention of child abuse. An alliance was established with Johnson & Johnson to create computer labs for children in shelters, which is still active today.
Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, La Red expanded its direct services to families and the community to address the emergency. It created the “First Guide of Recommendations for the Protection of Children in Emergencies or Natural Disasters in Puerto Rico.”
The organization changes its name to the Red por los Derechos de la Niñez y la Juventud de Puerto Rico.
Launch of the Youth Advocacy Academy to help youth transform public policy and draft their own bills.
Inauguration of the Casa Ramón Alternatives Center in Juncos, the first program to promote housing for homeless youth in Puerto Rico. In response to the earthquakes, La Red organizes emergency relief efforts in towns in the south of Puerto Rico. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, La Red advocates for the reopening of school cafeterias and establishes its Community Kitchen in Juncos.
La Red becomes the administrator of Head Start & Early Head Start centers in the northern region of San Juan.
Restructuring of mission: To prevent and mitigate child abuse in Puerto Rico through innovative programs, changes in public policy, and training and technical assistance.
Due to its public policy strategy, La Red secured the approval of a new child welfare law.
Inauguration of the 2 Gen Center in Juncos and approval to expand the Head Start program to the Municipality of Juncos.
Inauguration of Casa Elizabeth, a rapid rehousing and transitory housing program for women 18–30 years experiencing domestic violence.
