Social welfare system scrutiny in Croatia and Bosnia

Recent fire incidents at care facilities in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have triggered debates regarding the accountability of social welfare systems. In Croatia, a fire in Zadar involving a three-year-old child has sparked intense scrutiny. The child suffered severe burns and was transferred to a clinic in Zagreb. Reports indicate that family members had previously warned social services about the mother’s inability to care for the child, but no timely intervention occurred. Ombudsman for Children Tatjana Katkić Stanić emphasized that when a child’s safety is at risk, it should trigger a ‘red alarm’ for the immediate removal of the child from the home. Extraordinary administrative inspections by the Croatian Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy have since identified significant failures in social welfare services. In the Zadar case, investigators concluded that the principle of the best interests of the child was not upheld. While protective measures were issued, they were ineffective; specifically, a measure issued in January was not implemented until June despite identified risks. Inspectors stated that stricter interventions, such as the urgent removal of the child, should have been taken much sooner. These inspections also highlighted failures in a femicide case in Slatina, noting a lack of urgency, poor inter-agency cooperation, and the incorrect treatment of a perpetrator and victim as equals in parental care. Minister Alen Ružić announced that those found to have failed in their duties will be sanctioned and has issued new instructions to regional offices to improve victim protection and ensure timely responses. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a fire at an elderly care home in Mosorovac resulted in two hospitalizations. This follows a November tragedy in Tuzla where 15 residents died.