Latvian parliament approves guardianship court reforms

Latvia’s parliament has approved amendments to the Guardianship Courts Law aimed at strengthening child rights protections, LSM reported. Saeima passed the changes in their final reading on Thursday, October 22.

The amendments clarify guardianship courts’ responsibilities in protecting the rights and interests of children and people under guardianship. They also revise staff recruitment requirements and introduce a single system for evaluating officials’ work.

The changes remove the current minimum age of 30 for guardianship court chairs, deputy chairs and members. They also update education and work experience requirements, broadening the range of relevant professional experience, including in child protection.

The law will require guardianship court officials and employees to be Latvian citizens. The amendments’ explanatory note says the roles require high professional and ethical standards and a clear legal connection to the state.

From January 1, 2028, officials will have to pass an exam after completing a prescribed training programme. The exam will assess their knowledge, skills and competence in protecting the rights and legal interests of children and people under guardianship. The Child Protection Centre will organise the examination commission, which will include representatives of the Welfare Ministry, the Justice Ministry and the centre.

The Welfare Ministry said guardianship courts have faced staff shortages, with employees carrying heavy workloads and at risk of professional burnout. Many recruitment competitions have also failed to attract candidates.