Family Protests for Boy’s Release from Behavioral Center

A family protest was held on March 15, 2024, outside the Center “Ljubović” in Montenegro, where a young boy has been placed due to behavioral issues. Relatives of the boy argue that the decision by the social welfare center to place him in the facility was a mistake and are demanding his immediate release. They have reached out to various government ministries and even the President, seeking intervention in the situation.

Concerns Raised Over Treatment and Family Rights

The protest began around 16:30 local time, with family members expressing their desire to see the boy, who has reportedly been at the center for a month without any visitation from his paternal side. The director of the center, Nina Delević, came out to address the protestors. She informed them that only nine family members, who had received authorization, were permitted to visit the boy.

Delević explained that the remaining family members could not visit due to a lack of consent from a social work center in the northern region of the country. In response, the boy’s relatives criticized the regulations, asserting that visitation policies are more flexible in prisons than in the treatment center where the boy resides.

The family argues that the boy’s placement in the center is unwarranted, claiming that he has been neglected by his parents. The boy’s aunt shared her concerns with a local journalist, stating that his parents are divorced and have not been providing adequate care. She has repeatedly urged authorities to investigate the suitability of the parents, but her requests have not been acted upon.

Claims of Neglect and Bullying

The aunt described the boy’s situation as dire, mentioning instances of bullying he has faced at school, which led to physical altercations with peers. She criticized the overall system for failing to address these issues effectively. She stated that the boy has pleaded for help, crying out that he can no longer attend school due to the harassment he endures.

“The child has been neglected in the family. I want to be his guardian and guide him on the right path,”

she said, emphasizing her willingness to take responsibility for him until he turns 18, after which he could return to his mother if that is deemed appropriate.

She has also indicated her plans to contact legal counsel to seek guardianship of the child. The aunt believes that the boy should not be in the current establishment and would prefer him to be placed in a foster home or another children’s facility.

In a letter sent to various authorities, including President Jakov Milatović, the family expressed their concerns about the boy’s wellbeing at the Center “Ljubović.” They noted a complete communication ban since his admission and claimed that he has been subjected to mistreatment by some staff members.

Center Responds to Allegations

In response to the family’s allegations, Director Nina Delević refuted claims of mistreatment, asserting that the center adheres to professional protocols. She stated, “There is no truth to the allegations that any child has been mistreated, nor has he been a victim of the actions of staff or other children within our institution.”

Delević clarified the visitation rules, stating that the boy can receive visits from the nine approved family members and can communicate regularly via phone. She added that the family members protesting have not been granted visitation rights because the necessary consent from the relevant social work center has not been provided.

She concluded by affirming the center’s commitment to operate within legal guidelines, prioritizing the best interests of each child in their care. “This is not the first attempt at such pressure. We will continue to work according to regulations and prioritize the welfare of the children,” she stated.

The situation remains tense as the family continues to advocate for the boy’s release, insisting that the current environment is not conducive to his wellbeing. The ongoing dialogue between the family and the center reflects broader concerns regarding child welfare and the efficacy of support systems in place for vulnerable youths.