Stronger Criminal Protection for Social Workers in Montenegro: Now Recognized as Performing Work of Public Importance

Montenegro has strengthened the criminal protection of social workers: the new amendments to the Criminal Code expand the notion of “work of public importance” to employees of the social and child protection system, who will from now on enjoy stronger criminal protection while performing their duty.

Until now, this status was recognized for employees of public services, the judiciary, public information, healthcare, education, as well as legal aid before courts and state bodies. With the new amendments, the protection extends to professionals who work every day with society’s most affected categories.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demographics, at whose initiative the change was undertaken. According to the ministry, social workers face children, families, the elderly and persons with disabilities every day, often in complex and crisis situations, so a safe working environment is essential for them.

“Those who protect the most vulnerable members of society deserve themselves to be protected and respected,” the ministry stressed, promising further strengthening of the social and child protection system in Montenegro.

Source: RTCG