There are certain state authorities or non-governmental organisations which can help you if you feel that your parents, foster parents or legal guardian have restricted your rights without reason or you have a dispute with them that you cannot solve.
In such situations, you should try to talk to your parents, foster parents or legal guardian first and find a compromise. If it is not possible, you may go to a center for social work.
You must go to a center for social work or the police if you are suffering from violence or other similar actions from the people who should be caring for you. There should be a center for social work in your region and they will know what to do and how to protect you in these situations.
Center for social work
Center for social work is a state authority which knows how to protect your best interests and rights in all situations. It reviews complaints about the actions of parents, legal guardians and foster families and helps settle disputes between them. They can also provide counselling and support if you need it.
If you need protection from the people in whose care you are, the center for social work can decide whether you need a legal guardian. If this is necessary, it can also decide whether you should be separated from your family and file an application at court. In emergency cases they can remove you from your family themselves if that is absolutely necessary.
example If you are in the care of one of your parents, and this parent does not allow you to see the other parent, the center for social work can help solve this issue. If you feel threatened by either of your parents or they have been violent towards you, the center for social work can also protect you and separate you from them if necessary.
The Ombudsman
If you feel your human rights might have been violated, you can turn to the Ombudsman’s office.
You can also ask the Ombudsman to install you a child advocate, who can help you to more efficiently express your opinion on matters relevant for your life and future.
Non-governmental organisations
You may also consult with non-governmental organisations which support children and families in crisis situations. They may provide you with counselling in your individual situation, for example, if you are suffering from depression or have difficulties within your family.
Read more about non-governmental organisations which might help you:
- Zveza prijateljev mladine Slovenije (Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth)
- Društvo za nenasilno komunikacijo (Association for nonviolent communication)
You can also turn to:
- TOM telephone for children and adolescents 116 111 (every day between 12.00 and 20.00). The call is free. You can also write to them at tom@zpms.si or contact their online chat room.