Families and children

Refuge for children

The Children’s Shelter in Belgrade helps children and young people who no longer have a family or whose family is not able to look after them.

It offers food and a place to sleep. The children and young people are looked after and can take part in various programmes:

• Help with homework
• Creative workshops
• Educational programmes
• Sports

The children and young people can also obtain psychological support.

Feel free to call if you have any questions. The Children’s Shelter can be contacted by telephone 24 hours a day.

Children’s centre

The Center for the Protection of Infants, Children and Youth is available at seven locations in Belgrade.

Children and young people can live here:

• If they no longer have a family
• If they can no longer live with their family

There may be various reasons for this. In the long term, the centre helps children and young people find a family to take them in. The centre looks after children and young people aged up to 18.

You will find further details on the website. If you have questions, feel free to call or write an email. You do not have to pay for this support.

Day centre for children

The Center for Youth Integration (CYI/CIM) has two drop-in shelters in Belgrade. The centres take care of children who live and work on the street. Children aged 5 to 15 can visit the centres.

They are provided with food and clothing. Children can wash there. The centres also help them get admission to a school. The centre makes sure children are able to take part in sports and leisure programmes.

Children cannot sleep at the centre.

See the Facebook page for further details. If you have questions, feel free to write an email or call. You do not have to pay for the services provided by these centres.

Help for children and young people

The Center for Youth Integration” (CYI/CIM) is in Belgrade. The centre helps children and young people.

There is an education programme. Children can get help with their homework. This programme is for children aged 5 to 15.

The project Café Bar 16 is for young people aged 16 and over. The project helps them start a career.

There are training courses and events. The young people can work in the café and manage it. They are given a reference, a letter of recommendation and help in writing their CV.

The service is free of charge.

Children’s rights hotline

The Child Rights Center (CPD) supports children’s rights in Serbia. The centre provides information about children's rights and helps children in need.

There is a telephone number you can call. The staff can be reached on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 14:00.

The CPD also offers training courses for people who want to promote children's rights. The CPD organises camps and summer schools for children.

You will find more information on the website and on Facebook. The service is free of charge.

Support for school children

The association Help supports your children when they are starting school in Serbia. The association helps you find a school for your children.

When school starts, the association ensures your child has the school materials required.

If you need support, please call the office near you or write an email.

You do not have to pay for this support.

Educational grants and advisory service

The Roma Education Fund (REF) supports you in getting an education.

The REF is funded by KfW Development Bank. It awards grants which you can use to pay for your education. There is a public tender before every academic year or semester. This is where you can apply for a grant.

The REF can also give you advice. For example:

• If you or your child want to sign up at a school
• If you wish to enrol at a university
• If you have to complete and submit official documents

The staff can provide you with information on application deadlines and important certificates. The REF has staff in various towns and cities. You can write an email.

The services are free of charge.