Orphan's Court Workers Question Reform: Problems Lie in Resources, Not Structure

The Latvian Association of Orphan's Court Workers published a statement on Facebook expressing skepticism about the reform proposed by Ombudsman Karīna Palkova. The association argues that transferring orphan's court functions to courts and social services will not by itself resolve the fundamental problems in child protection: excessive workload and a lack of specialists. According to the association, a mere structural change without sufficient human resources and a clear organizational plan cannot lead to significant improvement.

One of Palkova's proposed models involves splitting orphan's court functions between municipal social services and the court. The association points out that the number of social services is identical to the number of orphan's courts, so it is unclear how this model would ensure more efficient work and methodological guidance. The association also notes that orphan's courts are being unfairly portrayed as the main cause of problems in child protection, when in fact they operate according to regulations and face resource shortages common to the entire field.

The association calls for addressing specialist recruitment, workload, and methodological support before making structural changes. Meanwhile, Ombudsman Palkova insists on immediate reform, proposing two models, one of which includes a centralized Child Protection Center with branches in municipalities and a court, which would ensure uniform quality standards and centralized oversight. The Ombudsman's office points to differing practices across municipalities, weak control, and serious violations.

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, and on the Saeima to provide parliamentary oversight. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has instructed the Ministry of Welfare and the Ministry of Justice to draft proposals for a new child protection model by October 1.