Child protection service notified family of removal after infant’s death, cites delayed information

The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service has faced criticism after a decision to remove a deceased infant and seven other children from their family was communicated only after the child’s death, LRT reports.

According to social media posts, a two-month-old girl with Patau syndrome died in hospital. The family claims they received a letter from the service two days after her death.

Lina Baranauskienė, head of the Vilnius County division of the service, confirmed that the agency was not informed of the child’s death in a timely manner, which led to the family being notified of the removal decision posthumously.

“In this case, we indeed did not receive information about the deceased child on time, and it is possible that the decisions reached the family after the child’s death,” Baranauskienė told LRT Radio.

She declined to disclose further details but explained that when assessing potential violations of a child’s rights, the service evaluates the full range of circumstances—not just the child’s health. Information is gathered from multiple sources, including family members, relatives, educational institutions, medical professionals, and social workers.

Baranauskienė emphasised that the goal is to ensure children grow up in loving families, but when families fail to provide adequate conditions, child protection authorities intervene. In extreme cases, children may be moved to a safe environment if there is a direct threat to their well-being, health, or development.

The family has eight children in total. Baranauskienė noted that the decision to remove the children was based on a combination of factors, not solely the health condition of one child. She added that the decision regarding the deceased child is no longer in effect and that the family has been allowed to bury their child and grieve.

“These decisions are not final. They can change as circumstances change. Of course, circumstances must change in the best interest of the children,” she said, adding that child protection workers will contact the family again soon to discuss cooperation and support.