4.2 Administration and governance
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Governance
The governance of social inclusion policies for young people in Montenegro is organized through a multi-level institutional framework involving key ministries, public institutions, and independent bodies.
The primary actors responsible for policymaking and implementation include:
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Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography- responsible for overall social policy, including social and child protection systems.
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Ministry of Sports and Youth - responsible for youth policy development, youth participation, and inclusion measures.
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Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation - responsible for inclusive education policies and equal access to education.
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Ministry of Human and Minority Rights - responsible for the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable and minority groups.
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The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue - essential for social inclusion as it promotes employment, protects vulnerable groups, and fosters dialogue to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
Other relevant stakeholders involved in implementation, monitoring, and service delivery include:
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Centres for Social Work and institutions of social and child protection.
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Institute for Social and Child Protection – responsible for professional support, development, and monitoring of services.
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Employment Agency of Montenegro – implementing active labour market measures and supporting youth employment.
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Parliament of Montenegro – Committee for Labour, Health and Social Welfare , Committee for Human Rights, and Committee for Education, Science, Culture and Sport, which oversee policies and monitor implementation.
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Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms (Ombudsman) – ensuring the protection of human rights, including those of young people.
In addition, civil society organizations play a key role in delivering services, advocacy, and supporting marginalized youth. Active NGOs include:
General distribution of responsibilities
Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography is the central authority responsible for designing and implementing social and child protection policies. Its responsibilities include drafting legislation, licensing service providers, maintaining registers of services, and aligning national legislation with the EU acquis.
At the operational level, Centres for Social Work play a key role in assessing needs, deciding on access to rights, preparing individual support plans, and coordinating services for beneficiaries.
Specialized institutions provide targeted services for vulnerable groups:
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Children’s Home “Mladost” Bijela – accommodation for children without parental care.
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Public Institution Centre “Ljubović”– services for children and youth with behavioural disorders.
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Institution “Komanski Most” – care for persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
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Public Institution “Lovćen–Bečići” – recreation services for children from vulnerable backgrounds.
Social services are also provided through family-based care, including foster care and family accommodation for children, youth, and vulnerable families.
Local self-governments are responsible for developing and financing social services at the municipal level, while the state provides financial support when local resources are insufficient.
The Institute for Social and Child Protection and the social and child protection inspection bodies ensure quality control and professional standards. Additionally, the Council for the Rights of the Child plays an important role in improving child protection policies.
The Parliament of Montenegro, particularly through the Committee for Labour, Health and Social Welfare, oversees the implementation of laws, monitors alignment with EU standards, and evaluates government reports.
Non-governmental organizations complement public services by providing licensed services, especially for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, Roma and Egyptians, and LGBTQ+ youth.
Cross-sectoral cooperation
Social inclusion policies for young people in Montenegro rely on cross-sectoral cooperation among institutions. Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue coordinates social protection policies and strategies, while the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights focuses on vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, persons with disabilities, minorities, and LGBTQ+ youth,
The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation contributes through inclusive education policies, while the Ministry of Sports and Youth focuses on youth participation and empowerment.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Dialogue of Montenegro supports initiatives promoting social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Key efforts include the Youth Guarantee program, which provides young people with opportunities for employment, education, and training, and projects aimed at improving the socio-economic inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities. The Ministry also collaborates with NGOs and international partners to enhance social protection, reduce poverty, and strengthen access to social and employment rights.
At the oversight level, the Parliament of Montenegro, through its committees monitors social policies and ensures accountability.
Overall, cooperation between state institutions, local governments, and civil society organizations has improved in recent years.