On Thursday, 28 February, the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on State Social Benefits in the second reading under urgent procedure, according to which a guardian will be able to receive allowance for taking care of a child under guardianship also after having moved permanently abroad together with the ward.

The Social and Employment Matters Committee of the Saeima drafted the amendments to improve childcare outside family and promote opportunities for children to be raised in a family environment. The amendments were drafted in relation to the case brought before the Constitutional Court on 16 October 2018 concerning a clause in the Law on State Social Benefits on the compliance of guardian's compensation with the Constitution.

In Latvia, nearly 3200 persons receive compensation for executing the role of a guardian. According to the previous procedure, payment of allowance is suspended to approximately five guardians each year due to them moving permanently abroad together with the ward.

Guardian's allowance is EUR 54.07 irrespective of the number of children under guardianship. 

The amendments to the Law on State Social Benefits will enter into force on the next day following their proclamation. 

Saeima Press Service