INSIGHT INTO THE PHENOMENON OF CHILD NEGLECT IN SERBIA

Abstract

In the paper, we deal with the phenomenon of child neglect in our social context. On the one hand, it is viewed through the adopted and generally accepted definitions of the term and, on the other hand, through the analysis of available data on the real response of our society and corresponding public policies to this problem. Among the methodological approaches, a content analysis of the current scientific and professional literature, as well as the legislative framework dealing with this issue, and also a descriptive analysis of the relevant statistical data were applied. The goal of this work is to try to look at all aspects and determine the extent of child neglect in our society, as well as the responsibility of key social actors for recognition, action and prevention of this phenomenon. We especially deal with children of Roma nationality, because this national community is recognized in our society as an ethno-class, poorer than the poorest. We conclude that a large part of the responsibility for the neglect of children in our society is born by the state and its inadequate social policy, which is considered in the paper through the measures taken towards the poorest. Additionally,
population policy measures are selective and not aligned with the real social needs of the population. There is a great inconsistency and a lot of confusion between the declarative population policy, the legislative framework, social policy, the operation of social institutions and practice. In a disorientated and value-regressed society, which is at the same time intensively aging, the inadequate response of the state when it comes to the realization of children’s rights will have unfathomable negative consequences for the development of the entire population. Social protection measures aimed at the poorest families with children and Roma families cannot protect children from neglect.