Child and adult protection authority

The child and adult protection authority, commonly known by the German acronym KESB, is the competent Swiss authority for many child and adult protection matters. It examines reports of endangerment, hears those affected where appropriate, orders proportionate measures and supervises curators. Its tasks include child protection, adult curatorships, validation of advance care directives and decisions when private support is insufficient. Organisation differs by canton, but the authority must act lawfully, impartially and with respect for procedural rights.