Resume<\/p>\n
Unaccompanied Minors: From Policy to Practice in the Czech Republic<\/strong><\/p>\n PhDr. Irena Petru\u017eelov\u00e1, DiS., Police Academy of the Czech Republic in Prague, Faculty of Security and Law, Department of Criminology<\/p>\n PhDr. Ivana Oleck\u00e1, Ph.D., Police Academy of the Czech Republic in Prague, Faculty of Security and Law, Department of Criminology<\/p>\n JUDr. Miloslav Smetana, Ph.D., Police Academy of the Czech Republic in Prague, Faculty of Security and Law, Department of Police Activities<\/p>\n Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n The study analyses the issue of unaccompanied foreign minors in the Czech Republic as a phenomenon situated at the intersection of migration policy, child protection, and security risk governance. The aim of the article is, on the basis of a systematic analysis of the legal framework, institutional practice, and available empirical findings, to identify structural deficiencies in the handling of this group, assess their impacts on both child protection and public safety, and formulate conceptually coherent recommendations aimed at methodological harmonisation of procedures, strengthening inter-institutional coordination, and rationalisation of data management. At the same time, the article reflects the need for a balanced approach that safeguards the rights of genuinely underage children while limiting security risks associated with the possible abuse of minor status. Methodologically, the study is based on an analysis of academic and grey literature, particularly materials produced by the Organisation for Aid to Refugees, the Police of the Czech Republic, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, complemented by international guidance issued by relevant organisations, especially UNHCR and UNICEF. The findings indicate fragmentation of data records and insufficiently systematic data evaluation, limited institutional coordination, and persistent tension between the principle of the best interests of the child and a security-oriented framing of unaccompanied minors. The analysis further suggests that even where standardised procedures formally exist, their practical implementation is significantly shaped by securitisation logic, which simultaneously weakens the effectiveness of child protection and increases the likelihood of inadequate or ineffective systemic interventions.<\/p>\n