On February 3, 2017, the Public Defender of Georgia addressed the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia concerning an ineffective response to the violation of the juveniles’ rights by LEPL Social Service Agency.

The Public Defender was informed that due to some complaints and alleged violence towards one of the schools and teachers, a father had not been sending his children to school since April 2016. According to LEPL Social Service Agency, the children were subjected to emotional and psychological abuse by their father. The family cannot provide proper psycho-emotional development of children. It should be noted that there was a similar case in 2015 too, when a father decided not to send his children to school.

The Public Defender considers that in the mentioned cases parents fail to properly perform their duties and neglect the true interests of the minors. In similar cases, it is the obligation of the state to protect the child’s interests and rights. In spite of this, the Social Service Agency failed to carry out effective measures and the minors are still not engaged in the educational process. Consequently, the officials, who are responsible for responding to the cases of violence against children, might endanger the children themselves if they fail to perform their duties effectively.

The Public Defender calls on the Social Service Agency to adopt all necessary measures in accordance with the best interests of minors, in order to protect their rights and restore the right to education as soon as possible.