Access to social services

Access to social services in Montenegro is regulated through the social and child protection system and implemented at both national and local levels. Services are primarily delivered through Centres for Social Work and supported by municipalities and civil society organisations.

Young people, particularly those from vulnerable groups, can access a range of benefits and services, including:

• financial social assistance (material family support)
• disability-related benefits and allowances
• free legal aid
• subsidies for utilities (electricity and water)
• exemptions from certain administrative, transport and public service fees
• support services such as counselling, home assistance and community-based services

Specific support measures are available for:

• young people with disabilities
• Roma and Egyptian (RE) youth
• young people at risk of poverty and social exclusion

In addition, the development of innovative social services is supported through project-based funding and local government budgets, often in cooperation with international organisations.

Access to education and training

Access to education and training in Montenegro is ensured through a comprehensive legal and policy framework that promotes equal opportunities and inclusive education.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation implements measures to ensure accessibility and quality of education for all young people, including:

• inclusive education policies and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• provision of assistants and mobile support services
• adapted curricula and inclusive teaching methodologies
• scholarships and targeted support for vulnerable groups, particularly Roma and Egyptian students

More information the link. 

Access to housing and healthcare

Housing

Access to housing for vulnerable groups, including young people, is regulated by the Law on Social Housing

This law defines social housing as support for individuals and households who are unable to resolve their housing needs independently. Priority groups include:

• young people without parental care
• persons with disabilities
• families with children with disabilities
• Roma and Egyptian (RE) population
• displaced and internally displaced persons
• victims of domestic violence

Support is provided through:

• allocation or purchase of housing under favourable conditions
• subsidised interest rates and financial support
• legal obligations for accessibility and adaptation of housing units for persons with disabilities

In addition, supported housing services are gradually being developed. These services are particularly important for young people transitioning from institutional care.

A notable example is the supported housing programme implemented by social welfare institutions and civil society organisations for former residents of the Children’s Home “Mladost” in Bijela. The programme includes: provision and equipping of housing units, coverage of housing costs, supervision and mentoringsupport in employment and development of life skills.

This service facilitates the social integration and independent living of young people leaving care.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Montenegro is organised as a universal system, providing access to services through the public healthcare network.

Young people, including vulnerable groups, are entitled to: primary healthcare services, specialist and hospital care and preventive health services.

However, despite formal universal coverage, challenges remain in terms of:

• accessibility for vulnerable and marginalised groups
• regional disparities in service availability
• need for improved youth-friendly and mental health services

In Montenegro, youth counselling services are available in several municipalities, providing accessible and confidential support to young people. For example, the Youth Counselling Service in Podgorica offers guidance on mental health, risk behaviours, sexual and reproductive health, and interpersonal relationships. These services operate through individual and group counselling, workshops, and school or community outreach activities. The approach is multidisciplinary and family-inclusive, aiming to help young people develop life skills, overcome challenges, and adopt healthy lifestyles in a safe and supportive environment.