The Salvation Army opened the Patvērums Childrens Day Centre in March 2002 to provide a safe environment for underprivileged children from the local community in Riga.
Friday, May 05, 2006
A sad phone call
Today we are having to make a phone call to social services concerning one of our families. It's something that we do only when we feel we have exhausted all other options as it is likely that as a result of our phone call the children (brother & sister aged 8 and 7 years) will temporarily be taken into care.
We have written about this family before, they are one of 2 families that suffer from domestic violence as well as other problems. We have known them for just over 6 months and in that time we have spent many hours listening to the mum, counseling her, praying with her and doing home visits. The family has also made contact with Riga 1 church and become involved with various activities and has been receiving help and support there too.
Without going into all the situation basically it's got to the stage when Mum is no longer coping and we are worried for her well being and for the children's. She has become very depressed and is unable to take any action herself. The children are of course suffering too. The boy has missed a lot of school this year and we are concerned that the girl might be being physically abused. It's a complex situation which we now feel we need to involve social services in.
In some ways I feel we have failed them as we have not been able to help them change and improve their situation but then in although way I know that the staff at Patverums have tried their hardest to help and support this family.
As I type Dace is trying to get through to social services but as it's a Friday afternoon we are not sure if we will be able to get through to anyone so it might have to wait until Monday. We would really appreciate your thoughts and prayers for us as a staff that we will know what is the best thing to do and feel at peace with our decision and for the family that with whatever happens they will know that they are in God's hands.
posted by Patverums Childrens Day Centre @ 2:34 pm
Hi Zoe, I feel your concern over this family. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are doing what you can and the Lord will bless you for that. You can't solve everyone's problems. Unfortunately we all live with the consequences of our choices. I do feel sorry for the children and will be in much prayer for the situation. Love to you and all those involved. Wilma
Hi Zoe, I feel your concern over this family. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are doing what you can and the Lord will bless you for that. You can't solve everyone's problems. Unfortunately we all live with the consequences of our choices. I do feel sorry for the children and will be in much prayer for the situation. Love to you and all those involved. Wilma