Orphan Court Employees Question Ombudsman's Proposed Reform

The Latvian Association of Orphan Court Employees has expressed criticism of the orphan court reform proposed by Ombudsman Karīna Palkova. The association believes that transferring orphan court functions to courts and social services alone will not solve the fundamental problems of the child protection system.

According to the association, the main issues are excessive workload and a shortage of specialists. A mechanical restructuring without sufficient human resources and a clear organizational model will not significantly improve the situation.

One of Palkova's proposed models involves splitting orphan court functions between municipal social services and the court. The association notes that the number of social services is identical to the number of orphan courts, making it unclear how this model would ensure more efficient work and methodological guidance.

The association also emphasizes that orphan courts are unfairly portrayed as the main cause of problems in the child protection system. In reality, they operate in accordance with regulations but face resource shortages common to the entire field.

The association calls for addressing issues of specialist recruitment, workload, and methodological support before redistributing functions.

It is worth recalling that Ombudsman Palkova calls for an immediate reform of the orphan court system and proposes two models. The first model involves early assistance by social services and sensitive decisions by the court. The second model proposes a centralized Child Protection Center with local branches and the court, which would ensure uniform standards, professional staff, and faster complaint processing.

The Ombudsman's office notes that practices vary across municipalities, oversight is weak, and there are serious violations, including failure to hear children's opinions and unjustified separation from families.

Palkova has called on the Cabinet of Ministers to develop a new institutional model by December 1 of this year and implement it by January 1, 2028. The Saeima has been asked to ensure parliamentary oversight.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has tasked the Ministry of Welfare and the Ministry of Justice with preparing proposals for a new child protection model by October 1.