Parents call for a coordinated support system in child support fund discussions

The Latvian Children's Support Fund (LBAF), a public benefit organisation that provides social rehabilitation services for children, held five regional discussions from 19 to 28 October in Rēzekne, Riga, Valmiera, Talsi and Jelgava. The events were part of the project “Kopā radīt un darīt!” (“Creating and Doing Together!”) and brought together parents and representatives of non-governmental organisations and local authorities. They focused on the everyday difficulties of families raising children with functional disorders or disabilities. The topic matters because, according to participants, many of the issues cannot be solved at the level of a single municipality.

Services and information

Municipal resources differ, yet families describe similar problems: insufficient availability of services, a lack of specialists and a complicated flow of information. Parents noted that a service existing does not mean a family can obtain it, citing long queues, differing eligibility rules and costs. Respite care, assistant services and day centres were singled out. Participants stressed that a family's place of residence should not determine whether it gets the support it needs.

Parents currently often have to find their way through a complex system and approach several institutions. Proposals included a single information source, clear guidelines and practical roadmaps, as well as closer cooperation between social services and educational and healthcare institutions.

Specialists and support for the whole family

Outside the large cities in particular, there is a shortage of occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, child psychiatrists and ABA specialists, while private services are unaffordable for many. Parents also want support for children still awaiting a diagnosis, as well as psychological and practical help for themselves, siblings and other relatives. The question was raised of what happens to a child if a parent suddenly falls ill.

Education and the transition to adulthood

Parents said that admission to an educational institution is not enough; assistants, support staff and an individual approach are needed. Much of the concern relates to life after the age of 18, as clear information on continuing services, education and employment is lacking. Participants called for a timely, individually planned transition.

Next steps

The fund will compile the proposals to discuss with the responsible ministries and pass them to local authorities, and will use them to develop new initiatives. The project is financed by the Society Integration Foundation from the Latvian state budget.