Minors

Minors in Croatia

Last update : June 2023

Since there are a lot of unaccompanied minors traveling by themselves and are at the risk of experiencing violent push backs, here is some necessary information they should keep in mind once they arrive in Croatia and apply for international protection. The Ministry of Demography, Family, Youth, and Social Policy appoints guardians to the unaccompanied minors who are usually employees of the Croatian Institute for Social Work.

There are appointed institutions for unaccompanied minors to stay: in Zagreb, Osijek, Split, Karovac, Sisak etc. Minors can also remain in foster families.

Unaccompanied minors who do not seek asylum are accommodated in the Centar za pružanje usluga u zajednici in Dugave. This is an institution also for Croatian youth with behavior problems and it is inadequate for unaccompanied minors.

Minors who are asylum seekers can be accommodated in the Porin reception center if they are older than 16 years. If they are 12-16 years old they can be accommodated in Centar za pružanje usluga u zajednici and minors who are younger than 12 years old are accommodated in a Home for children without adequate parental care.