September 7, 2025
Speaking in Moscow on September 7, Evgeny Masharov, a member of the Russian Civic Chamber`s commission on public examination of legislation, stated that the termination of parental rights is considered a last resort. This extreme measure is only pursued when there are no other viable means to safeguard a child`s well-being.
Masharov reiterated that this drastic step is permitted exclusively when a child`s interests cannot be otherwise protected. The legal basis for such deprivation is detailed in Article 69 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation.
He further clarified that a court might strip parents of their rights if they, without justifiable cause, refuse to retrieve their child from a birth center, medical facility, educational institution, or social service organization. Misuse of parental rights also constitutes grounds for such action.
Masharov also pointed out that parents, or one parent, could face the loss of rights if they neglect their parental duties, including the willful failure to pay child support. This negligence extends to a lack of concern for the child`s health, physical, psychological, spiritual, and moral development, as well as their education.
Additionally, Masharov specified that chronic alcoholism or drug addiction, substantiated by medical records, can lead to the termination of parental rights. The same applies if parents commit a deliberate crime against the life or health of their children, the other parent, spouse, or other family members, provided this is confirmed by a legally binding court decision or an investigative authority`s ruling.
Defining “abuse of parental rights,” Masharov explained that it involves exercising parental authority in a way that harms the child`s interests. Examples include impeding their access to general education, coercing them into gambling, encouraging homelessness, begging, theft, prostitution, or the use of alcohol, spirits, illicit drugs, or psychotropic substances.
He further stated that courts may revoke parental rights in instances of child abuse, encompassing both physical and psychological violence, as well as any attempts against the child`s sexual integrity.
Masharov concluded by highlighting that Article 72 of the RF Family Code allows for the restoration of parental rights. This is possible if parents demonstrate significant changes in their behavior, lifestyle, or approach to child-rearing, requiring them to file a formal petition with the court.
