where we work

Latvia

Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe and it is one of the Baltic states. Russians are the most prominent minority in the country, with almost a quarter of the population. Latvia was part of the Soviet Union for 45 years but has been a democratic unitary parliamentary republic since 1991. The economic hardships have forced some Latvian parents to move abroad in search of work. The children are left in the care of neighbours, relatives, or older siblings who cannot look after them. It is estimated that 44% of all children in Latvia face poverty.

Total population: 1.9 million
Total children under the age of 18: 375,500

The situation of children in Latvia

Children who are at risk of losing parental care are also at risk of being victims of other offenses against children, such as cruelty and abuse, theft, sexual exploitation, and rape. 10% of children by the age of 15 have already suffered from sexual abuse. Children of minorities, like the Roma, Russian speakers, children with disabilities, or those living in rural areas lack access to health and education facilities. There are more than 6,000 children who are orphaned in Latvia. Less than 700 are in orphanages. Most of the children who are taken into institutional care have parents who, for various reasons, are unable to look after them.

Towards Latvia without Orphans
contact: Kodi Stephens

Other Information about Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Family Care in Latvia
Better Care Network Information on Family-Based Care in Latvia
More information for prayer at Operation World

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