After Couple's Conflict With Child Protection Worker, Service Responds

Authorities in Lithuania are investigating an incident where a child protection worker in Anykščiai was threatened by a couple. The confrontation occurred on Monday morning at the Utena County Child Rights Protection Department.

According to the Utena County Main Police Commissariat, the threats were made by a man born in 1991 and a woman born in 1993. Police have initiated a pre-trial investigation into the matter. The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service has responded to the conflict, highlighting the challenging nature of their work.

Irena Gaigalienė, head of the Utena Child Rights Protection Department, acknowledged that child rights defenders often face emotionally difficult situations and challenges when interacting with families. "It is understandable, as sensitive issues related to children are being assessed, and sometimes we cannot avoid strong emotions from parents," she stated. Gaigalienė stressed that respectful dialogue is crucial for finding the best solutions, benefiting the child and setting a positive example.

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And it is understandable, as sensitive issues related to children are being assessed, and sometimes we cannot avoid strong emotions from parents.

Gaigalienė further explained that the worker's safety was compromised during the interaction with the couple, preventing her from carrying out her duties securely. Video recordings of the incident are expected to aid law enforcement. "The emotional and physical safety of a child rights defender is inseparable from the ability to properly protect a child's rights," she said, emphasizing that a secure environment is essential for workers to perform their duties effectively and respond to urgent cases.

Gaigalienė confirmed that the children of the couple who allegedly threatened the worker had already been moved to a safe environment before the conflict. The situation of the children is currently being assessed. The service encourages those with questions to contact them via their TV channel, a toll-free hotline, or their website.

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The emotional and physical safety of a child rights defender is inseparable from the ability to properly protect a child's rights.