Only a third of Lithuanians would agree to child care home near them – new survey

Specialists say that adoption and child care are fields plagued in stereotypes and myths in Lithuania.

Specialists have noted that the public lacks tolerance, understanding and a positive outlook towards children in care homes. The survey showed that only less than 10% of residents would support the appearance of a home for individuals with intellectual or psychological disabilities.

Experts say that the majority of people still believe that only young people with high incomes can foster children and that adoption requires the completion and submission of many documents.

Currently, a restructuring of institutional care is being done in Lithuania. This is being done in an effort to create the conditions for children to live in smaller institutions that might be more similar to families or homes.

Specialists believe that this will make it easier for children to integrate into society and to prepare them for independent lives. Non-governmental organisation representatives have noted that the help of volunteers for adopted or foster children and their families is very important for the successful restructuring of the system.