Shocking Violations at Lejasstrazdi: Children in Danger, Adults inaction 0 21

During the visit, it was established that several children from the center regularly do not attend school, and the staff do not know who their supervisor is or how to act in case of obvious health problems with the child.

The legal representative of the child, who is the head of the Dobele Social Service, did not answer the calls. The current head of the center is being acted by the deputy head of the Dobele County Social Service.

When the ombudsman arrived at "Lejasstrazdi," one preschool-aged child was observed to have serious health problems and difficulty breathing associated with a high temperature. Only at the insistence of the ombudsman did a staff member call the Emergency Medical Service (EMS). When the EMS arrived, none of the center's staff could answer who the legal representative of the child was and could not provide the necessary documents to accompany the child to the hospital.

Palkova emphasizes that this is a serious violation of the child's rights, as staff should know the algorithm of actions and basic things related to the health, life, and safety of children.

"It is unacceptable for children to find themselves in dangerous situations due to their helplessness and for their legal representative, who should fulfill parental duties, such as accompanying the child to the hospital, not to stand up for them," said the ombudsman.

She notes that children did not choose such a life, and it is the duty of the state, local governments, and specific workers to provide children with a safe and family environment.

"The institution cannot continue to operate in this manner – if the local government cannot or does not want to solve the prolonged problems for a long time, the institution should be closed! The Ministry of Welfare should not delay in deciding to exclude it from the register of service providers," Palkova is convinced.

The Ombudsman’s Bureau explained that the initial goal of the visit was to determine how the situation had changed after repeated visits and recommendations. Although improvements are visible in the premises and nutrition, what was seen again confirms that neither a basic mechanism of action nor management of acute situations is established in the institution.

"The dignity, safety, and rights of children are not a matter of choice; it is the duty of the state and local governments and a test of public consciousness. If children's rights are violated, institutions are obliged to act immediately," emphasizes the ombudsman.

Given the findings, the ombudsman urges the Ministry of Welfare to immediately assess the center's activities and take appropriate measures. Otherwise, the ombudsman is prepared to go to court to protect children's rights and ensure them a safe, dignified, and developmental environment, as provided by Latvian and international law.

The Ombudsman’s Bureau had previously recorded in this center that children are poorly fed and clothed, there is a lack of qualified staff, and there are no opportunities for meaningful leisure.