On Tuesday, September 22, Palkova visited the "Avots" Social Support and Care Center again and met with the leadership of the Augšdaugava municipality. According to her, the infrastructure of the institution is generally in good condition. However, the conditions in which the children and adolescents live raise serious questions. ### 198 euros — for clothing and footwear for the entire year As the ombudsman found out, the children living in "Avots" receive **198 euros a year for clothing and footwear for all seasons**. This amount was confirmed by the staff of the institution. In turn, the municipality's leadership claims that more funds are allocated for these purposes. However, according to Palkova, the administration of the orphanage is not aware of this, and the children actually receive only 198 euros. The ombudsman notes that this is the smallest amount that her office has identified during inspections of out-of-home care institutions so far. ### Last meal — at 18:00 Children in "Avots" eat three to four times a day, with the last meal scheduled for 18:00. According to the institution's menu, the cost of breakfast is approximately **0.55–0.69 euros**, lunch — **1.25–1.61 euros**, snack — **1.28–1.64 euros**, and dinner — **0.72–1.28 euros**. Palkova noted that the menu largely resembles the food provided in schools and preschool institutions. However, during a follow-up visit to the institution at 8:35, the refrigerator, according to her, was again empty, although pancakes were on the table. A positive change was that a psychologist was found for the institution. ### After the first inspection, talk of a systemic crisis began The previous inspection took place on August 26. At that time, the Ombudsman’s Bureau announced a systemic crisis in ensuring children's rights. Inspectors found almost empty refrigerators, and some residents did not even have spare socks and underwear. Meeting some of the children's basic needs largely depended on donations. Questions also arose regarding nutrition. According to the ombudsman, the diet was insufficiently varied, dominated by cheap products high in carbohydrates, and children's access to food was limited. ### Drugs, resuscitation, and cases of suicidal behavior Particularly serious complaints concern the safety of the residents. According to the Ombudsman’s Bureau, children were using addictive substances, and in some cases, they ended up in resuscitation. There were also cases of suicidal behavior. According to the ombudsman, narcotic and other intoxicating substances are available near the institution, and staff at the orphanage have suffered serious injuries as a result of violent incidents. Problems were also found with medical assistance. The position of nurse was eliminated at the institution, although almost all children take medication. Some medical services, including orthodontic care, are not fully available. There were cases when residents had to pay for medical expenses out of their own pocket money. ### Ombudsman considers court action As a result of the August inspection, a detailed report was prepared and sent to the Augšdaugava municipality and the "Avots" orphanage, as well as for the information of the Ministry of Welfare and the Child Protection Center. Palkova warns that if violations are not rectified after receiving the report, she will consider the possibility of appealing to the administrative court to protect the rights and interests of children. In addition, after the August inspection, the ombudsman contacted the State Police, requesting an immediate assessment of the information regarding a possible threat to the safety of the residents and the need for preventive measures.
