Serious disorders, and deprived of regular physiotherapy

Although they have complex developmental disabilities, the children are not provided with regular treatment by a physiotherapist. This, among other things, is stated in the opinion of the deputy protector of human rights and freedoms Snežane Mijušković after visiting the Small Group Community for children without parental care with developmental disabilities, which is located in Bijelo Polje and operates within the "Mladost" Children's Home in Bijelo.

Representatives of the institution of the Protector visited the institution, spoke with the coordinator and employees and saw the children who use the services of the Small Group Community (MGZ).

According to the employees, there are nine children at the accommodation. They said that the children do not have a physiotherapist and that they do not use the services of that staff elsewhere.

The Home in Bijela said that until the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, a total of three children were able to use the services of a physiotherapist, who practices in the Bjelopol Health Center, and that, according to the data they have, that physiotherapist has a large number of patients, and for this reason it was not possible to provide this therapy for all users of the Small Group Community. They added that they will provide physiotherapy for the needs of the users from their own funds, which they receive based on the accommodation fee.

"From the statements of individual day care centers, it follows that the individual service plan for the user foresees exercises of the upper and lower extremities, that it is necessary to provide regular treatments by a physiotherapist, and that in the past they referred users to the Dr. Simo Milošević Institute in Igalo. Bearing in mind that children who are placed in the MGZ are deprived of parental care and have complex disabilities, a holistic approach is needed in working with them, as well as in treatment. Therefore, in addition to the fact that they need a lot of love and attention, they also need appropriate therapy (physical, kinesitherapy), as well as complete defectological treatment", states Mijušković's opinion.

Children with developmental disabilities represent a particularly sensitive category in medical, psychological, pedagogical and social terms, especially the fact that they are without parental care and placed in an institution, according to the opinion of the deputy protector.

Mijušković is of the opinion that it is necessary to undertake appropriate activities, so that these children receive continuous treatments by physiotherapists, and possibly other treatments that are deemed necessary.

"During a tour of the Day Center for Children with Disabilities 'Tisa' in Bijelo Polje, it was noticed that the facility has a hydro-massage pool, and new therapies have been introduced for the users, which children love and which are extremely important in the treatment of children and youth with disabilities. Professional workers pointed out that being in the water gives pleasure to the users, because it facilitates movements, so exercising with professional supervision is more pleasant. The protector believes that it should be considered that this resource should also be used for the children of beneficiaries of the Small Group of the Community, whose institution is located in the immediate vicinity of the Day Center", suggested Mijušković.

It also points to the importance of establishing intersectoral and interinstitutional cooperation in order to achieve the best interests of children with developmental disabilities. In this way, according to her, it would be possible to make better use of the already limited professional capacities of employees in various institutions, whose services can and should be used by children with developmental disabilities.

"The fact that the Small Group Community now functions within the Home 'Mladost' - Bijela, should not affect the possibility of providing services provided in the local community - Bijela Polje", says Mijušković.

She recommended to the centers for social work and the Home in Bijela that they draw up service plans for children who are beneficiaries of the Small Group Community from Bijelo Polje, which will enable them to use the services that exist in that environment.