Montenegro conference highlights family mediation and child protection

At a conference in Podgorica, officials discussed the importance of family mediation as a tool to restore communication and protect children during domestic disputes. Maja Vojinović Golović, director of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, stated that mediation can help resolve issues such as divorce, parental rights, and asset division while minimizing conflict and preserving the dignity of all participants.

Golović Vojinović reported that the Center handled 262 family dispute cases in 2025, with 168 cases received between the start of 2026 and September. Jelena Grdinić, State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, emphasized that mediation reduces court workloads and costs while fostering long-term stability for children.

In a separate discussion regarding domestic violence, Dženita Suljević, director of the Center for Support of Children and Families, stressed the need for open dialogue to ensure victims do not feel isolated. Suljević noted that the Center provides temporary accommodation and individual support plans in collaboration with social work centers and healthcare institutions.