The Network for European Policies – MASTER successfully held the two-day training “Empowered for Tomorrow: The Right to Support”, which took place on 6 and 7 April at Hotel Palas. The training brought together around 20 participants from across Montenegro working in the field of social and child protection, with the aim of strengthening their capacities in working with at-risk youth.
Among the participants were representatives of relevant institutions and organisations operating within the social and child protection system, including centres for social work, social welfare institutions, civil society organisations, as well as other professionals who provide support to at-risk youth through their work.
During the training, participants had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of standards in social and child protection, individual support planning, the assessment of beneficiaries’ needs, as well as the importance of timely and coordinated action by different actors within the support system. Particular focus was placed on intersectoral cooperation, the exchange of practical experience, and the development of recommendations for improving the support system for at-risk youth.
Through interactive sessions, practical exercises, and group work, participants, together with the trainers, addressed key topics related to the protection of beneficiaries’ rights, professional ethics, planning support in line with the individual needs of young people, as well as the challenges faced by youth in the process of transitioning to independent living. Special attention was devoted to identifying obstacles within the existing system and defining concrete steps for its improvement.
The training was opened by Ms Andrea Popović from the Network for European Policies – MASTER, who emphasised the importance of continuous learning and the exchange of experience among professionals. The first day was led by Marija Stajović from Juventas, while the second day was opened by Ana Andrijašević, a lawyer and the author of the analysis “Empowered for Tomorrow: The Right to Support”, who presented the key findings and recommendations for improving the system. Afterwards, Snežana Mijušković, Deputy Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, spoke about the protection of beneficiaries’ rights, professional ethics, and support for youth transitioning to independent living.
As a result of the training, participants developed recommendations and plans that will contribute to improving practice and strengthening support for at-risk youth in the upcoming phases of the project.
The overall conclusion of the training was that there is a clear need for further empowerment of professionals, stronger interinstitutional cooperation, and the development of more accessible, higher-quality, and more sustainable support services for at-risk youth across Montenegro. By holding this training, an important step was taken towards improving the social and child protection system in line with European standards.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography.
