Mother Loses Custody Three Times, Promises to Change; Child Welfare Cites Alcohol and Aggression

A woman in Latvia has had her parental rights terminated three times within a brief timeframe. During a court hearing, she insisted that she does not require assistance from social services, claiming she can manage on her own. In response, the orphan's court and police presented facts indicating aggression, regular alcohol consumption, and a perfunctory approach to the child's needs.

The case raises the question whether a rented one-room apartment and a job as a cleaner are sufficient grounds for the state to allow the child to return home. The mother has promised to change, but her past behavior suggests otherwise. The court must now decide whether her promises are credible and whether the child's best interests will be met.