Montenegro Minister Gutić Calls for Social Workers in Schools

Damir Gutić, Montenegro's minister of social welfare, families and demography, presented a study on the needs of educational institutions for the inclusion of social workers. The research covered seven municipalities, 30 settlements and more than 2,100 children across six preschool centres, 39 primary schools and 15 secondary schools. Gutić stressed that social workers would strengthen early detection of risks, improve cooperation between schools and families, prevent violence and support the mental health of pupils, especially those from Roma and Egyptian communities or living in poverty.

The study found that Montenegro already has some staffing capacity and that a multidisciplinary approach is financially and organizationally feasible. It is intended to guide evidence‑based public policies and advance the country's guarantee for children, aiming to provide equal educational opportunities for all vulnerable children.