Child protection services explain removal of children after infant’s death

Lithuania’s State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service (VTAĮT) has addressed criticism over its handling of a case involving a two-month-old girl with Patau syndrome who died in a Kaunas hospital, LRT.lt reports.

The infant, from the Ukmergė region, was taken to the hospital in a critical, emaciated state. Authorities decided to remove all seven children from the family due to concerns over neglect, but the parents were only notified days later because the service learned of the baby’s death after the decision was made.

Lina Baranauskienė, head of the Vilnius County Child Rights Division, expressed condolences and explained that the removal was a last resort. “Separating a child from parents is an extreme measure, taken only when parents refuse cooperation, reject help, and the child faces a real threat,” she said. The decision was made on July 27, but officials only learned of the infant’s death—on July 26—on July 28.

Baranauskienė emphasised that while parents have the right to their beliefs, a child’s right to life and proper medical care must be ensured. “Even with a severe incurable illness, a child has the right to necessary support to avoid suffering,” she said. Medical staff had previously reported inadequate care for the children in the family.

She noted that the family had received prior support from the Ukmergė Social Services Centre. Authorities are now seeking to improve communication between hospitals and child protection services to prevent similar delays. They also urged the parents to cooperate, stating that the goal remains to keep children with their families where possible.