Lithuania’s Free Family Support: How 72,000 People Found Help

Navigating family life can be challenging, but for those living in Lithuania, a massive social safety net is proving that help is closer and more accessible than many realize. The national project known as “KOPA” (Comprehensive Services) has officially reached a significant milestone, providing vital psychosocial support to over 72,000 residents across the country.

This €60 million initiative, funded by the European Union, is designed to offer a preventative cushion for families and individuals facing crises, emotional distress, or the everyday pressures of modern life. With the project set to continue until mid-2029, the goal is to ensure that no one has to face their struggles alone simply because professional help is too expensive or geographically out of reach.

A Nationwide Safety Net for Every Resident

The KOPA project is not just for those in extreme poverty; it is a universal service available to all residents of Lithuania. Whether you are dealing with a difficult divorce, struggling with parenting, or facing postnatal depression, the services are provided free of charge.

Jurgita Lazauskienė, an expert from the European Social Fund Agency, emphasizes that the project is designed to be flexible. “A person or a family can receive not just one, but several services that complement each other,” she explains. This holistic approach ensures that if a parent attends a support group, their child might simultaneously participate in social skills training, creating a comprehensive improvement in the home environment.

What Services Are Available?

The project utilizes a network of qualified professionals, including psychologists, social workers, youth workers, mediators, and art therapists. The focus is on early intervention—solving problems before they escalate into deep-seated crises that are harder to resolve.

Beyond these core services, the project also addresses specific societal issues such as overcoming addictions and managing loneliness. To ensure accessibility, the program even provides transportation services or childcare while parents are attending their consultations, removing the practical barriers that often prevent people from seeking help.

Proven Results and International Interest

The impact of the program is backed by data. Surveys conducted by the Central Project Management Agency in 2024 and 2025 revealed that 87% of service recipients felt the help they received truly helped solve their problems. Users particularly praised the professionalism of the specialists and the practical nature of the advice given, which could be immediately applied to their daily lives.

The success of Lithuania’s model has not gone unnoticed. A delegation from the European Commission recently visited to study how the system operates on a national scale. With approximately 1,000 activities organized every month in various cities, the KOPA project is being viewed as a potential blueprint for other European nations looking to modernize their social support systems.

How to Access Support

Accessing these services is straightforward. Each of Lithuania’s 60 municipalities has a designated Community Family House (Bendruomeniniai šeimos namai). These hubs act as the primary point of contact for anyone seeking assistance.

If you or someone you know is currently in Lithuania and needs support, you can reach out to your local municipality’s administration or search for the nearest Community Family House. The project is a partnership between 70 different organizations, including local governments and the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, ensuring that even remote regions have access to the same quality of care as the capital.

Original reporting by: kaunas

Source: Kauno miesto savivaldybė