The answer to this question depends on the type of problem with regard to which the child or minor decides to turn to a specific institution for help.
If the problems in question relate to the protection of life, health and property from unlawful attack, or other affairs pertaining to fundamental police functions (pursuant to Article 1 Paragraph 2 of the Police Act of 6 April 1990 [Official Journal 2002, No. 7, Item 58 with subsequent amendments]), the nearest police station, police headquarters or a policeman in the vicinity of the incident is the competent institution to which one should turn.
If the problem relates to the crossing of national boundaries, i.e. control of border traffic and the other functions of the Polish border control authority pursuant to Article 1 Paragraph 2 of the Border Control Act of 12 October 1990 (Official Journal 2002, No. 171, Item 1399 with subsequent amendments), a watchtower, border control point or a border control officer situated in the vicinity is the competent institution to which one should turn.
If the problems relate to the provision of assistance in the event of fire or natural disaster, the removal of local dangers or other fundamental tasks of the State Fire Service (pursuant to Article 1 Paragraph 2 of the Act on the State Fire Service of 24 September 1991 [2002 Official Journal No. 147, Item 1230 with subsequent amendments]), one should turn to the nearest fire station.
In addition, Article 1 of the Aliens Act of 13 June 2003 (Official Journal No. 128, Item 1175) defines guidelines and requirements for entry into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Poland, transit through Polish territory and the residence and departure of aliens, as well as modes of procedure and determination of the competent authorities. Pursuant to Article 141 of the Aliens Act, the central authority of governmental administration, responsible for repatriation affairs, entry and departure, residence within the territory of the Republic of Poland, granting refugee status and asylum, issuing residence permits and temporary protection and affairs relating to Polish citizenship within the scope of functions of the governmental administration is the President of the Office for Repatriation and Aliens.
For other problems, such as problems relating to health and social assistance for children and adolescents, persons residing in Poland may turn to the nearest health care or social welfare institution.
According to the Ministry of Economics, Labor and Social Policy, in cases where there is a suspicion that an employer has violated labor laws, any worker, including adolescents, should turn to the competent district labor inspector for help.
Other than government institutions, children and adolescents can also turn to other non-governmental institutions, such as the Children's Friends Society. Foreign nationals can, in any case, take their matter to the nearest consulate or other diplomatic mission from their country within the territory of the Republic of Poland.
