The adoption of a National Child Guarantee, modeled on the European Child Guarantee adopted by the Council of the European Union in 2021, would significantly contribute to improving the quality of care for children in Montenegro, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups. This is one of the key conclusions of the expert analysis of the legal framework concerning children and young people without parental care, prepared for the needs of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (UOM).
Although Montenegro has already begun the process of aligning with the European Child Guarantee by taking steps toward the development of a national action plan, given the importance of comprehensive and sustainable child protection, it would be both justified and strategically beneficial for Montenegro to first adopt a National Child Guarantee as an overarching policy document. Such a document would express the state's long-term commitment and establish the right of every child to equal access to services, thereby creating a clear foundation for further implementation through an action plan and budgetary planning.
The National Child Guarantee should contain comprehensive measures aimed at preventing child poverty and social exclusion, ensuring that no child in Montenegro is deprived of the right to education, healthcare, housing, and security. According to the Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (UOM), the Guarantee should encompass five key dimensions of child protection: free and high-quality early childhood education and care; quality primary and secondary education that provides an inclusive environment and learning support; free and high-quality healthcare services, with a particular emphasis on preventive and psychosocial services; healthy and nutritionally adequate food, especially within the school environment; and safe and adequate housing, including supported housing for children without parental care and young people leaving alternative care arrangements Mišela Manojlović.
A special focus of the National Child Guarantee would be placed on children without parental care, young people leaving institutional or alternative care systems, and children from multiple marginalized groups—such as Roma and Egyptian children, children with disabilities, and children living in extreme poverty. To this end, the Guarantee should provide for specific support mechanisms, including transition-to-independence programmes, supported housing, access to education and the labour market, counselling and mental health services, as well as individualized transition and follow-up plans.
The development and implementation of a National Child Guarantee require a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves the active and harmonized engagement of key line ministries, local governments, professional service providers in the field, and representatives of civil society, with technical and strategic support from international partners. Particular emphasis should be placed on consultations with children and young people who are currently in the care system or have already left it.
The adoption of a National Child Guarantee would be fully aligned with Montenegro’s strategic commitment to full membership in the European Union, as well as with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It would also represent a significant step forward in implementing the recommendations of numerous international and national bodies that monitor the realization of children's rights.
- 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
