Parents of children with developmental difficulties in Montenegro are experiencing significant delays in accessing crucial socio-medical commission decisions, often waiting for months without updates on their applications. This situation has led to growing concern among families, who find themselves deprived of basic rights and benefits, highlighting a systemic issue attributed to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
According to Milisav Korać, the president of the Association of Parents of Children with Developmental Difficulties, there are no valid justifications for such prolonged wait times. He emphasized that families are left vulnerable, lacking essential support that is vital for their children’s development.
Korać stated, “If the right is granted, it is retroactive from the first month after the application is submitted. There is no justification for such delays, which only underscore the difficult situation faced by children and young adults with disabilities and their families.”
The frustration is compounded by a lack of information regarding the current status of applications. The NGO sector has urged parents to take action by submitting complaints, contacting the Ombudsman, or even filing lawsuits due to the “silence of the administration.” These delays further exacerbate the already challenging circumstances for people with disabilities.
Reports from international bodies such as the European Commission have consistently highlighted the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities in Montenegro. Each year, these reports indicate that such individuals encounter significant barriers in realizing their rights, often facing various forms of discrimination. The ongoing delays in processing applications serve to validate these concerns.
Marina Vujacić, executive director of the Association of Youth with Disabilities in Montenegro, noted that the previous socio-medical commissions had expired, leaving numerous requests unresolved. “New commissions were formed in the last quarter of last year, but they have met only once, if at all, in various cities,” she explained.
Families have reported waiting since June for decisions, particularly those who have previously qualified for care allowances. When these allowances expire without timely renewal, families lose access to essential benefits such as travel subsidies and assistance with utility bills.
Vujacić pointed out that citizens have legal mechanisms to protect their rights. “Those waiting for decisions from the relevant center for over a month can file a lawsuit. If a decision is not made within a month, it constitutes a violation of the Social and Child Protection Law and other legal provisions, including anti-discrimination laws.”
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare is aware of the issues, as it is responsible for forming commissions and scheduling their meetings. Vujacić criticized the Ministry for its failure to address the problem adequately, stating, “The Ministry is fully aware of the issue because it arises from its actions or inactions.”
Additionally, she raised concerns about the frequent changes to eligibility criteria, which can complicate the application process. “Just a few months ago, the regulations regarding eligibility criteria were changed twice in less than a month,” she noted, underscoring the instability faced by families.
The lack of precise data on pending applications complicates the situation. NGOs estimate that in some cities, nearly 2,000 requests are awaiting resolution, while others exceed 1,000 unresolved cases.
Goran Laković from the NGO “Niste sami” described the lengthy wait for commission meetings as a serious problem for families. “Waiting for eight months is not just administrative delay; it represents a quiet suspension of the law. Parents should not be victims of a disorganized system,” he asserted.
He advised parents to take specific actions, such as submitting written requests for updates on their cases and contacting the Ombudsman. “If the commission does not convene in a reasonable timeframe, families have the right to sue for the ‘silence of the administration,'” Laković explained.
Despite these recommendations, the relationship between institutions, NGOs, and the public remains strained. Laković criticized the Ministry for ignoring the concerns of parents and advocacy groups, stating, “By disregarding the NGO sector, the media, and the public, the Ministry conveys more than a thousand empty promises.”
As thousands of requests linger unresolved, families continue to face uncertainty and hardship. The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare was contacted for comments regarding the delays and lack of response to both parents and NGOs but had not provided answers by the time of publication.
The situation underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in Montenegro’s social support structure, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the assistance they are legally entitled to without unnecessary delays.
