ŠKIPINA: CHILD MUST NOT PAY PRICE FOR ADULTS' IRRESPONSIBILITY; WE WILL ALWAYS BE ON CHILD'S SIDE

PALE, AUGUST 24 /SRNA/ - Parents' divorce must never mean a divorce from their obligations toward their child, but unfortunately, there are situations in which one parent fails to fulfill their child support obligation, the consequences of which are felt most by the one who is guilty of nothing - the child, therefore Republika Srpska has decided not to be a silent observer in such situations, Republika Srpska National Assembly MP Damjan Škipina said.

On the occasion of the Srpska Loves You campaign, as part of which the Office of Republika Srpska President will present, in the coming period, the rights and measures that today constitute the family support system in Republika Srpska, Škipina told SRNA that the Law on Temporary Child Support established a system under which, when the conditions prescribed by law are met, a child can exercise the right to temporary support through the Republika Srpska Child Protection Public Fund.

He recalled that this right lasts for a maximum of 18 years of age, and that temporary support may amount to up to 15 percent of the average salary in Republika Srpska - according to the amount on the basis of which the right was introduced, up to BAM 229 - when the court has ordered support in that amount or a higher amount. If the court has determined a lower obligation, the amount ordered by the court is paid.

"The essence of this law is much more important than the amount itself. With it, we have said that a child will not have to wait for adults to reach an agreement in order to receive what they are entitled to. Republika Srpska temporarily stands behind the child, but this does not relieve the parent who fails to fulfill their obligation. The institutions of the Republic will subsequently seek reimbursement of the funds paid from the debtor," Škipina stressed.

He noted that this represents responsible social policy.

"For years, we have been building a system in which support for the family is not merely a political message. A maternity allowance, child allowance, support for newborns, parent-caregivers, mothers on maternity leave, medical treatment of children, and now temporary child support - all of these are concrete rights.

We can always discuss what else needs to be done and how existing rights can be further improved. But it is important that Republika Srpska is demonstrating that it has the strength to recognise a problem and turn its resolution into a systemic right. Because problems between parents belong to adults. Childhood must belong to children. We will always be on the child’s side," Škipina said.