Three families from the Vladimir, Kaliningrad, and Novosibirsk regions attended the meeting in Moscow, while parents from the Amur Region and the Komi Republic took part via videoconference. The event was also attended by regional executive officials, prosecutors, and heads of guardianship and trusteeship departments, as well as children’s institutions both in person and remotely.
Maria Lvova-Belova emphasised the importance of cooperation with regional authorities to find solutions for each situation. For example, a participant from Kaliningrad was deprived of parental rights in 2020 due to alcohol abuse; her daughter is currently in a child care facility. The Commissioner announced that she would issue a power of attorney to the regional children’s ombudsman in Kaliningrad to ensure the mother’s legal defence in court.
A similar case was reported from the Vladimir Region, where the mother’s parental rights were restricted and her daughter placed in an institution. The girl is now a college student. Maria Lvova-Belova proposed involving psychologists to help rebuild the mother-daughter relationship, following which the Vladimir Region Commissioner for Children’s Rights will represent the woman in court.
The situation of a family from the Komi Republic was also reviewed: a father raising two daughters and a son faced difficult housing conditions that led to the temporary placement of the children in a state institution. The Commissioner noted the swift response of regional colleagues, who helped the father rent housing, reunite with his children, and obtain parental status and social benefits. Maria Lvova-Belova pledged to further assist the family in securing permanent housing.
Two other cases – from the Amur and Novosibirsk regions –involved parents seeking support in restoring their parental rights. Regional family and child welfare specialists were instructed to provide continued assistance to these families following reunification. The Commissioner stressed the importance of consistent support and accompaniment, ensuring that parents feel guided and not left alone in the process.
Wrapping up the meeting, Maria Lvova-Belova noted that such joint sessions with regional authorities would continue.