New child rights ombudswoman: even cafeteria staff must know how to interact with children with disabilities

The use of physical punishment remains part of children’s lives in Lithuania, and some adults still believe it can be a valid parenting tool, the country’s newly appointed child rights ombudswoman Alina Jakavonienė told LRT.lt in an interview.

“Physical punishment undoubtedly and unquestionably violates a child’s dignity, safety, and causes great harm to their worldview, health, and development,” Jakavonienė said.

The Seimas appointed Jakavonienė as child rights ombudswoman in late May, and she took office on June 2. A month into her term, she highlights persistent challenges in child protection, including the need for tailored, accessible services and a more coordinated approach among institutions.

Jakavonienė emphasised that child welfare depends not only on formal compliance with legal standards but also on how these systems function in a child’s daily life. She noted that support must address the needs of the child’s environment, not just the child in isolation.

Among her priorities, she plans to advocate for child-safe environment standards in all institutions and organisations that provide services to or interact with children. Safety, she said, must accompany a child in every situation.

She also pointed to gaps in specialised services for vulnerable groups, including adolescents, children with behavioural or emotional disorders, children with disabilities, and those at risk of offending or exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour. These, she said, are often overlooked but critical areas requiring attention.

Jakavonienė also stressed the need for better inter-institutional cooperation, as fragmented services can leave families without comprehensive support. She called for a more integrated approach to ensure children’s needs are met effectively.

On the issue of domestic violence, she acknowledged that physical punishment remains a reality for many children, despite reforms. Some adults still justify it as a disciplinary measure, though she firmly stated that no form of violence against children is justifiable.