Under the supervision of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), more than 20 innovative, community-based social services will be introduced over the next three years. These services will enable people to receive timely and individually tailored support in response to real-life needs – from assistance for those facing difficulties to care for those who stand by them every day. At the same time, these services will promote cooperation between local organisations, municipalities and professionals from different sectors.
Within the ESF+ programme implemented by SIF, “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”, 17 projects have already been approved, while the evaluation of a further 117 submitted ideas is ongoing. By June 2028, at least 24 innovative social services will be developed and implemented across Latvia, with total funding of EUR 7.2 million, of which EUR 6.12 million is provided by the ESF+ and EUR 1.08 million by the national budget.
In Cases of Behavioural Disorders, Support Is Needed Both for the Child and the Parents
Statistics and research data show that the prevalence of behavioural disorders among children has increased over the past five years. According to data from the Latvian Health and Social Care Inspectorate, in 2023, 30% of children under the age of seven in educational institutions were identified as belonging to a behavioural-disorder risk group. This trend affects not only individual child development, but also poses significant challenges for educational institutions and society as a whole.
One of the social service providers that has received funding for innovation development is the association “Miera osta” from Liepāja, which has been providing support to families with children in crisis situations and at social risk in the Kurzeme region for 20 years. The organisation plans to develop a new service, “Growing in Your Hands”, aimed at helping children aged 4–7 with communication, self-regulation, self-care, behavioural and developmental difficulties to regain – or in some cases gain for the first time – trust in themselves and others through sensory integration therapy and trust-based relationship building. Equally important will be work with the child’s family, helping parents to understand their child’s emotional challenges and to respond with confidence rather than fear.
“Every child is born with a deep, natural longing for attention and belonging. The sense of security, understanding and support provided by parents forms the foundation for a child’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Secure attachment not only promotes healthy development and self-regulation skills, but also helps children feel seen and heard, build resilient relationships and confidently explore the world. The ‘Growing in Your Hands’ service, based on trust-based relationship-building principles, supports parents in developing this bond of trust, creating an environment in which a child can grow safely and thrive with confidence,” says Dace Rence, Head of the association “Miera osta”.
Early Support and Intervention – Caring for Children’s Safety and Strong Families
Statistics compiled by the Child Protection Centre show that in 2023, risks to proper care and upbringing were identified in 1,432 families, affecting 2,529 children – 1,796 of whom were aged 0–12. Early support and intervention services for such families are an urgent need and are also included in the Cabinet of Ministers’ guidelines on child, youth and family development.
The foundation “Social Support and Education Fund”, which has received funding to develop the social rehabilitation service “Early Intervention – 3-Step Programme”, will focus on children from birth to the age of seven and their families where childcare is not fully ensured for various reasons. The programme will enable parents to learn and receive support through group sessions or individual specialist consultations, while allowing children to develop while remaining within their biological families. The organisation has also launched an international best-practice review, will conduct a nationwide study on the role and importance of early intervention in Latvia, and will develop a unified platform where specialists and parents – including through easy-to-read language – can access information about the service.
“Early intervention social services are closely linked to the prevention of violence against young children, as our direct activities make children increasingly visible and heard. Early intervention means proactive action – support is provided at the first signs of difficulty, preventing the development of more severe problems. Our goal is to protect children while strengthening the entire family, as a child’s development is closely linked to parental knowledge and emotional stability. Close cooperation between health, education and social-support professionals also plays a vital role, while individually tailored solutions ensure that each child and family receives the help they need, making early intervention effective and sustainable. In this way, we provide families – including those at social risk – with opportunities for safer and happier childhoods for children and personal growth for parents alongside their children,” emphasises Guna Krēgere-Medne, Board Member of the “Social Support and Education Fund” and Head of the Kurzeme Family Support Centre.
Support Is Also Needed for Social Service Providers
Over the next two years, SIF will also help create a more favourable environment for innovation development in the social services sector. Social service providers and other sector-related professionals will have opportunities to gain knowledge, develop new skills and exchange experience through various events and formats, working together to build a more empathetic and inclusive society in Latvia.
“Every social service or social innovation begins with the people who implement it. Society often overlooks the everyday heroes who care for those in need – social workers, caregivers and mentors. If they are exhausted, burnt out or feel alone in their challenges, the entire system suffers. That is why it is crucial to support those who care for others, as their competence and well-being form the foundation of high-quality services that achieve their goals,” says Alda Sebre, Director of the Social Cohesion Department at the Society Integration Foundation.
