Regional representatives also took part in the event via videoconference. The meeting participants reviewed situations involving six families.
Two mothers from the Ulyanovsk Region came to Moscow with similar requests: both are seeking to have their parental rights reinstated in respect of children who will soon turn 18. The Commissioner for Children’s Rights noted that in both cases she would petition for the expedited consideration of the women’s applications. It was agreed that colleagues from the region would support the mothers and their children throughout the reunification process.
Maria Lvova-Belova also took personal oversight of the situation in two families from the Trans-Baikal Territory. In one case, a father has been raising his two daughters alone since the death of his wife. The younger child is currently in an institution, and the father has so far been unable to have his parental rights reinstated due to the lack of documentation proving that he has been treated for alcoholism. He has achieved a stable remission, has a job and maintains a good relationship with the girls. The Commissioner for Children’s Rights noted that regional specialists would help the father in re-filing his claim and would invite a narcologist to testify in court.
Additionally, two mothers from the Khabarovsk Territory will receive support through the regional resources of the Vyzov (Challenge) special project.
As Maria Lvova-Belova noted, such meetings make it possible to identify the most common challenges faced by mothers and fathers seeking to have their parental rights reinstated. Going forward, these issues will be submitted for consideration by the interagency working group on assistance to families with children and the prevention of social orphanhood.