If a child of a large family is serving in the state defence service, henceforth this family will retain the status of a large family. This is provided for by amendments to the Law on the Protection of Children's Rights, which were adopted by the Saeima in the final reading on Thursday, 20 June.

The amendments provide that in future an adult up to the age of 24 will also be considered as a child of a large family if he or she is serving in the state defence service for a period of 11 months. Currently, this only applies to youths under the age of 24 if they are in general, vocational or higher education.

“Until now families whose youths have left university or vocational training to serve and are therefore on leave from school retain the status of a large family, whereas families whose youths are called up during the summer months immediately after the end of secondary school lose that status, even though the actual situation is identical. In this case, the conscript has not had the opportunity to enrol in higher education, as admissions have not yet begun", emphasises Leila Rasima, Chair of the Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee of the Saeima, which was responsible for the elaborating the legislative amendments.

“Retention of the large family status for families whose children will serve in the state defence service means that these families will not lose the opportunity to benefit from various allowances and discounts provided to them by the state, local governments and private entrepreneurs”, says Rasima.

The amendments will enter into force on the day following their promulgation.

Saeima Press Service