Lithuania: 80% of children's day centers face funding crisis

A significant majority of children's day centers in Lithuania are struggling with inadequate funding, with a recent survey revealing that 80% face financial shortages. This situation has led to the closure of some centers, even those providing quality services, according to Eglė Valatkevičienė from "SOS vaikų kaimai" (SOS Children's Villages).

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One such risk factor and fact, what can happen, is that day centers will close. And there are certainly such ones now, and it is a pity that among them are those that provided quality services.

The average annual state funding for a day center with 25 accredited spots amounts to €20,100. Representatives from Vilnius SOS Children's Village express concern that without additional state budget funds, the services offered by these centers may eventually only meet basic children's needs. Valatkevičienė emphasized that while legally mandated quality standards are important, adequate and proportional funding is essential for these services, which are closely integrated with children's lives and can provide significant societal value.

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If we take an average day center, which has 25 accredited places, the state funding is 20.1 thousand euros per year.

The survey, conducted by poverty reduction organizations among 325 day centers across 58 municipalities, found that only about one-fifth of centers believe state and municipal funding is sufficient. Nearly half reported that funding covers only essential expenses, while over 22% constantly face funding deficits. More than 8% indicated they could not operate without additional funds or donations.

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The service is very 'close' to the child, so its content must not only be legally enshrined and through quality requirements, (...) but also adequate, proportional funding should be provided alongside it.

In response to the survey results, MP Daiva Ulbinaitė questioned the temporary minister, J. Zailskienė, about the promised €800,000 for the development and maintenance of these centers. Ulbinaitė noted that centers are closing or laying off staff, questioning if the promised funding would remain a mere "paper point." Minister Zailskienė, however, stated that the promised funds would be secured. She also suggested that some centers might be closing not due to a lack of funding, but a shortage of children, urging for specific cases to be provided if this is the primary issue.

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You, minister, promised in January this year to find at least 800,000 euros at least for the existence of these children's day centers. But children's day centers are sounding the alarm bells again today, and indeed 8 out of 10 face funding problems. And they are either closing or laying off staff.