Street Children in Latvia: Problems and Solutions

Summary

In Latvia the transition period has been a time of both social and economic tensions; it has created new problems and exacerbated existing ones. One of the new problems, which appeared in Latvia without warning, is the problem of street children. Although Latvia’s laws protect the rights of all children, they have proved inadequate for dealing with the problem of street children. The question is whether this situation can be changed in a way that is financially and administratively feasible.

This study shows that it is possible and takes a look at the strategic questions that should receive attention if the existing system for protection of children’s rights is to work well enough to cope with the problem of street children.