Parents drank away 25,000 euros in compensation intended for child

Parents spent 25,000 euros in state compensation awarded to their injured child, prompting officials to look for ways to ensure the money reaches its intended purpose, LSM reported, citing Latvian Television’s 4th Studio programme.

State compensation is available to people recognised as victims in criminal proceedings. The child’s compensation is currently paid into a parent’s bank account, according to the report. The Ombudsman’s Office is aware of the case in which the parents spent the money on alcohol.

In the first half of this year, the Court Administration received 392 applications for compensation and paid 1.18 million euros to 302 victims. Last year, compensation was granted to 728 people, nearly 300 of them minors.

Eligibility depends on the consequences of the crime. Compensation may be awarded if the victim has died, suffered serious or moderately serious bodily injuries, been trafficked, experienced a violation of their morals and sexual inviolability, or contracted HIV or hepatitis B or C.

For people recognised as victims from 19 May, the maximum compensation is 4,680 euros, equivalent to six minimum monthly wages. The amount paid is adjusted according to the consequences of the crime. Separate compensation may be available for multiple crimes investigated in separate criminal proceedings.