Sociálně-právní ochrana dětí – aktuální problémy

The article deals with the current issues emerging as a result of application of the regulation of social and legal protection. It is the Act No. 359/1999 Coll. as amended that is at stake. After 1st of January 2003, substantive change occurred in the competency of state organs authorized to provide social and legal protection. It happened so pursuant to the effect of laws which introduced the regional administration (Regional Authorities) and extended the powers of communities (Community Authorities). Consequently District Authorities came to be abolished which for years had been the focus of social and legal protection. Further, the paper deals with the so called authorized persons, who, within their authorization, are (to a limited extent) empowered to act as organs of social and legal protection.