Since children have been acknowledged as an autonomous social group, it has become necessary to create adequate laws to protect their fundamental rights, including the right to education, health, and affection. However, despite significant progress for childhood worldwide, children's fundamental rights are still not ensured. It is thus important to reflect on the way laws for the protection of children have developed, analyzing their original objectives and principles and the means used in their enforcement. This article discusses the role of the Commissions for the Protection of Minors at Social Risk in Portugal.