to the Rules on norms and standards, the MIZŠ thus included a provision on the permanent standby of
two staff members in residential treatment institutions in case a child or adolescent absconds at nighttime or on weekends.
The NPM proposed that the MIZŠ ensure funds for drug testing adolescents in VIZ Smlednik and the
Ježek residential group.
In their response letter to the final report, the MIZŠ explained that the funds for care and material
earmarked for the institution could also be used for this purpose.
The NPM recommended that the MIZŠ examine the actual need in educational institutions
for the introduction of a refund of travel costs for parents who cannot attend meetings or
activities for parents due to long distance and weak social status. The NPM proposed that
the Ministry expand the possibility of subsidising transport also for adolescents’ closest
family members.
In its response letter, the MIZŠ explained that it could not expand subsidised transport at the moment.
Other
When speaking to an NGO representative, an adolescent from MD Maribor said that he did not have
access to his financial situation. If he had his own money, he had to ask the childcare worker to give him
the required amount. The NPM assessed the described manner of conduct as inappropriate, since the
money is owned by the adolescents, so they should control the use and amount still available to them.
We propose the drafting of a transparent record of financial resources for every adolescent, which is kept
in their presence and which the adolescent signs.
In their reply to the preliminary report, the management of MD Maribor explained: “Every child or
adolescent in MD Maribor knows exactly how much money they have and have immediate access to their
finances. We also keep transparent tables with financial situations. Every withdrawal is recorded and
every withdrawal or receipt is signed by the child and the childcare worker, so that every person who has
the right to access the child’s or adolescent’s finances can examine them at any time. An important part
of educational work is to teach the children and adolescents entrusted to us to use money rationally. In
the case of larger amounts (child maintenance, pension, grant etc.), the funds are saved every month in
a savings account in agreement with the adolescents, parents, social work centre etc. in this way, some
funds are saved for the time when the adolescent leaves the institution to live an independent life, and
this financial support is very beneficial at that time.”
Observing the fact that seven adolescents live in residential group 1 in MD Maribor who are secondary
school students and whose school work requires the use of a computer, the NPM assesses that one
computer does not suffice for the entire group. Given the development of today’s society, limited access
to the Internet is a barrier or factor which does not encourage social integration, as defined in the
objectives of MD Maribor. We believe that, similarly to the case of using drugs, the adolescents can learn
about the consequences of abusing the Internet, and they can be taught the suitable use of the Internet
within the educational programme.
In their reply to the preliminary report, the management of MD Maribor explained: “This issue again
deals with poor familiarisation with educational work and expert problems that occur with growing
children and adolescents, particularly the population entrusted to us. In spite of the constant education
of children and adolescents, great abuses occur, especially regarding uncontrolled access to the Internet,
which is why, from the educational aspect, supervision is imperative. Children and adolescents have
limited access to the Internet only when learning or for other obligations, but only for playing games
or networks providing unhealthy ‘fun’. On the contrary, we encourage them to use everything available
to them safely. For this purpose, we have organised expert lectures several times on the safe use of the
Internet. Children and adolescents can also use their own computers and smart phones, but during the
agreed time and according to an agreement. They can access the Internet at all times. We only limit their
access to certain Internet sites (i.e. Facebook, which they can access though their domains). The number
100
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE NPM IN 2016
NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM UNDER THE OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE UN CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT
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