Office for Child and Adult Protection (KES)

The task of the Child and Adult Protection Authority is to ensure the protection of children and adults who are unable to seek assistance on their own. The focus of our work is always on protecting the fundamental rights of vulnerable individuals. The goal is to help those in need with tailored, individual measures and to uphold and promote their right to self-determination.

Establishment of the Child and Adult Protection Authority

On 01/01/2013, the guardianship authorities of the Zug resident and citizen municipalities were replaced by the cantonal child and adult protection authority (KESB). Individuals and private agencies offering support continued, while the municipal mandate for supporting those in need shifted to the canton.

This change was due to a revision in the previous guardianship law (now: child and adult protection law). Since 01/01/2013, federal law has required that the duties previously performed by the guardianship authorities be carried out by an interdisciplinary specialized authority.

The new child and adult protection law and the creation of the KESB bring significant improvements to those in need of protection:

• Upholding and promoting the right to self-determination: the focus has shifted from paternalism and the associated deprivation of rights to personalized support. Official action is taken only if the incapacity to make decisions cannot be adequately addressed through private measures or legal representation.
• Professional interdisciplinary specialist authority: the new, professional KESB is an interdisciplinary authority and has comprehensive expertise in the core areas of child and adult protection law (law, social work, education and psychology).