Proposal to reform mediation system over concerns of child rights abuse

Liberal Movement MP Eugenijus Gentvilas has called for changes to Lithuania’s mediation system, arguing that current practices sometimes fail to protect children’s interests and may even enable abuse, LRT reports.

In a letter to the ministries of Justice, Social Security and Labour, the Lithuanian Chamber of Mediators, and the Child Rights Protection Service, Gentvilas highlighted cases where mediators allegedly use coercive mechanisms against parents, misuse legal rights, and apply unequal legal standards while neglecting the child’s best interests.

“In practice, one parent may select a mediator without mutual agreement, and courts approve this choice, forcing the other parent to accept the mediator’s terms and pay for their services,” Gentvilas told a press conference at the Seimas. He noted that courts often adopt mediation institutions’ pre-drafted documents, compelling parents to comply even when terms are unacceptable.

Citing a specific contract prepared by Ūla Dusevičienė, director of the public institution “Taikos raktai” (Keys to Peace), Gentvilas pointed out clauses where clients must agree never to criticise the mediator’s actions. Mediators can also suspend services if a client is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or psychotropic substances—without requiring evidence. “This means a specialist’s doubt alone could restrict or revoke a parent’s custody rights,” he said.

In one case, a mother withdrew from signing a forced agreement under pressure. According to Gentvilas, a bailiff then intervened, threatening a maximum fine of €300 for each day of non-compliance with the court’s ruling.

While the Justice Ministry has reportedly agreed that the Chamber of Mediators could standardise contract templates for parents, this has not yet been implemented. Mediation services are currently mandatory for parents involved in legal disputes over child custody.