15min reports that the Child Rights Service had decided to take all seven children from a family in Ukmergė, including a baby who died at Kaunas Clinics, whose death was not reported to the service.
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Medical staff became suspicious of neglect because the two-month-old girl was brought to Kaunas Clinics in early July in critical condition, very weak, weighing less than 2 kg, and lacking subcutaneous fat.
Genetic tests revealed that the baby had Patau syndrome. About 90% of babies with Patau syndrome do not survive their first year of life, with some dying within the first weeks.
Prosecutors have launched an investigation to assess whether the parents delayed seeking medical help. Meanwhile, the family’s lawyer published documents showing that in June, child rights defenders who conducted an inspection following a complaint decided that the children were safe in the family.
The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service previously stated that the decision to take the other six children from the Ukmergė family could be reversed if the parents agreed to cooperate.
However, for some time, child rights defenders were unable to meet with the Žlabiai family’s children – allegedly the parents did not let specialists into the home and did not answer calls, but last Friday psychologists managed to speak with the children.
Decision made
On Thursday, the State Child Rights and Adoption Service made a decision regarding the Žlabiai family’s children – it was decided that they will remain in their home but will receive assistance.
“Today, child rights defenders made a decision regarding the family’s need for assistance. When reassessing the children’s situation, the family cooperated with the child rights defenders,” said Lina Baranauskienė, head of the Vilnius County department of the service, in a comment sent to 15min.
“Currently, a decision has been made to initiate the necessary assistance for the family, which will be provided by the Ukmergė Social Services Center,” she added.
According to the specialist, “changes are necessary for the children’s well-being and safety in the family. Currently, the discussion is about assistance to ensure timely health care tailored to each child’s needs, its consistency and continuity. Also, to ensure proper participation of children in the educational process, to meet individual children’s needs in daily life, and to improve living and hygiene conditions for the children.”
L. Baranauskienė emphasized that the first case management meeting must take place within the next two weeks.
“Even when family and state views differ, dialogue allows hearing each other and focusing on the most important issue – the child’s safety, well-being, and doing everything so the child can safely grow up in their family. Therefore, we invite the family to accept help and services,” the child rights defender said.
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