Last year, the Riga guardianship authority reported an alarming number of cases involving physical violence against infants, particularly those under three months old. Specifically, several infants were diagnosed with bone fractures and bruises, prompting the initiation of criminal proceedings against their parents. This uptick in cases has raised significant concerns about child safety and parental responsibility in the region, as authorities are being pressed to take more decisive actions to protect vulnerable children.

Throughout the past year, the guardianship authority has been highly active in child rights protection, having made a total of 2,845 decisions and maintained 5,829 active cases. In urgent situations where a child's life or health is at immediate risk, the authority has issued 126 unilateral decisions within the year, enabling swift intervention to ensure the child’s safety. Such decisions have been made predominantly during the winter months, indicating a potentially distressing seasonal factor affecting child welfare.

Data regarding unilateral decisions highlight that one of the most common reasons for children ending up in dangerous situations and being removed from families is due to parental substance abuse. Notably, alcohol consumption has been linked to 31% of these cases, underscoring the pressing need for support systems and interventions aimed at addressing parental dependencies that can jeopardize child safety and well-being.