Through the implementation of a support project for young people without parental care, the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (UOM) has undertaken a series of measures aimed at ensuring that former residents of the “Mladost” Children’s Home in Bijela can make a smoother and safer transition to independent living after leaving the institution.
Two former residents have received support in securing employment, while one young person who wished to continue their education was provided with logistical assistance for university enrollment as well as an appropriate scholarship. Activities are currently underway to ensure similar support for another resident. In addition, the Union of Municipalities is prepared, if necessary, to assist with housing solutions by providing support through rental accommodation for young people leaving the Children’s Home.
Financial resources for the implementation of these activities have been secured through donations, which have so far amounted to approximately €21,000.
It is clear that ensuring strong and continuous support for the transition to independent living of young people without parental care requires the mobilization of a broader range of social stakeholders.
An expert analysis of the legal framework concerning children and young people without parental care in Montenegro, prepared for the needs of the Union of Municipalities, has provided numerous recommendations and suggestions for the adoption of measures at both the national and local government levels. These measures are aimed at improving conditions in this area and enhancing the economic empowerment of this vulnerable social group.
It is very important that the measures being implemented both respond to the actual needs of young people leaving the social welfare system and entering the labour market, and align with the demands of that market, thereby ensuring broader social benefits.
These measures should include additional education and skills training for young people, support for their employment and entrepreneurship, as well as psychosocial and legal-administrative assistance.
Support for education and vocational training should include the provision of supplementary financial assistance aimed at enabling access to a wide range of educational and practical pathways that lead to economic empowerment and employability, in accordance with the interests and potential of each individual.
One of the measures could be the provision of non-repayable financial grants for starting micro-businesses in various sectors, including services, agriculture, digital services, crafts, tourism, creative industries, and similar fields. In addition, the economic empowerment of young people without parental care could be further encouraged through government subsidies for employers who hire them.
All of these measures would contribute to increasing the long-term economic independence of young people without parental care and reducing the risk of social exclusion. At the same time, they would strengthen the national child and youth protection system and demonstrate the state's active commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and aligning with European Union policies and standards.
- UOM bank account for donations supporting young people without parental care:
530-533471-03.
Union of Municipalities of Montenegro,
Avda Međedovića 138.
- For international donations:
Swift code MNBAMEPG
IBAN CODE: ME25530005130005002095
NAME: Zajednica opština Crne Gore
