The Association for Assistance to Persons with Autism "Children of Light" from Banja Luka organized a public forum on April 29, 2025, on the topic “Improving the Position of Children with Developmental Disabilities and Their Parents” at the Youth Center.

The objectives of the public forum were to present the work of the Association and advocate for legislative changes to remove the restriction that limits the rights of parent-caregivers to the child’s 30th year of life.

Participants in the forum included members of the Association: Olivera Davidović Knežić (MA in Psychology and Project Coordinator), Nikolina Klepić (BA in Psychology and Deputy Coordinator), and Daniela Višnjić (Legal Advisor). Also present were representatives of partner associations: Saša Kasagić (Association “Duga” Gradiška) and Vojin Nišević (Association “Plavi balon” Prijedor).

The forum was supported by citizens, parent-caregivers, representatives of the City of Banja Luka, and representatives of the Alliance for Rare Diseases, Association “Zajedno,” the Parents’ Association of Children with Malignant Diseases “Iskra,” and the Citizens’ Association for Support to Persons with Developmental Disabilities “Plavi svijet.” The forum received media coverage.

The conclusions of the public forum are as follows:

The current legal framework regulating the rights of parent-caregivers is very restrictive, and it is necessary to urgently and appropriately initiate an amendment to the Law on Child Protection. The constitutional initiative is an important first step that has already been taken, but it is essential to insist on establishing a dialogue with the relevant ministries and parliamentary groups in the RS to raise visibility and awareness about the difficult position of parents of children with developmental disabilities.
The attending representatives of associations working with similar goals expressed full support for the project’s objectives and activities and highlighted their willingness to contribute to their realization.
A media campaign should receive increased attention to inform the public about the project’s goals and activities, in order to raise public awareness about the difficult situation of parents of children with developmental disabilities and gain broader support for the implementation of project activities.