There are certain state authorities or non-governmental organisations which can help you if you feel that your parents, foster parents or legal guardian have restricted your rights without reason or you have a dispute with them that you cannot solve.
In such situations, you should try to talk to your parents, foster parents or legal guardian first and find a compromise. If it is not possible, you may go to the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service.
You must go to the State Child Rights Protection Service if you are suffering from violence or other similar actions from the people who should be caring for you. State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service will know what to do and how to protect you in these situations.
The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service
The State Child Rights Protection Service is a state authority which knows how to protect your best interests and rights in all situations. It reviews complaints about the actions of parents, legal guardians and foster families and helps settle disputes between them. They can also provide counselling if you need it.
If you need protection from the people in whose care you are, the State Child Rights Protection Service can decide whether you need a legal guardian. If this is necessary, the court can decide whether you should be separated from your family.
example If you are in the care of one of your parents, and this parent does not allow you to see the other parent, the State Child Rights Protection Service can solve this issue. If you feel threatened by either of your parents or they have been violent towards you, the State Child Rights Protection Service can also protect you and separate you from them if necessary.
Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights
The Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights Office is a state institution responsible for safeguarding children rights and interests in Lithuania.
The Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights can investigate the actions of state institutions or officials, as well as of private persons, such as your parents or legal guardians. At the end of the investigation, the Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights will issue a decision on whether there has been a violation of child’s rights or not. Please note that the Ombudsperson cannot change or amend the decisions of courts or state institutions.
Non-governmental organisations
You may also consult with non-governmental organisations which support children and families in crisis situations. They may provide you with counselling in your individual situation, for example, if you are suffering from depression or have difficulties within your family.