Mother recounts 'attack' by child services after infant's death, agency admits mistake

A Lithuanian mother described a harrowing ordeal after her infant died, stating that her family was "attacked" by authorities instead of receiving support. The mother recounted going to Kaunas Clinics for help, only to receive a dead child and face an "attack" from the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, which subsequently removed all seven of her children.

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We went to Kaunas Clinics asking for help, and we received a dead child and an attack.

"We are a normal, harmonious family, having created a paradise environment for our children; they live in natural surroundings, which most parents only dream of," she told LRT. The mother expressed feeling no support or goodwill from child rights specialists, only an "attack." She criticized the timing of the child rights agency's involvement, which she felt occurred only when the infant was in intensive care.

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We are a normal, harmonious family, having created a paradise environment for our children; they live in natural surroundings, which most parents only dream of.

The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service acknowledged an "unfortunate mistake" in their handling of the case. Lina Baranauskienė, head of the Vilnius regional branch, admitted that the agency did not have information about the infant's death when they decided to remove the children on July 27. They learned of the infant's passing the following day, rendering the decision invalid for the deceased child.

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I felt neither concern for those children nor goodwill. I only felt an attack.

Baranauskienė emphasized that while parents' lifestyle choices are respected, the child's right to timely and adequate healthcare is paramount. She stated that decisions are made after considering all circumstances, not just opinions, and that the agency aims to cooperate with families. The agency will review information-sharing algorithms with Kaunas Clinics to prevent similar errors. However, officials stressed that the decision to remove the other six children was based on more than just the infant's death, with the baby's health history being only one factor considered.

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Parents have, can, and create paradise – that is entirely their choice. The state and the child rights service respect such a choice. However, the main focus is on ensuring the child receives adequate and timely healthcare. This is a priority.