Strong laws that protect families and parenthood are essential for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Firstly, they ensure that children grow up in safe, supportive environments with access to healthcare, education, and emotional security. Protecting children’s rights through law promotes healthy development and helps prevent neglect and abuse.
For parents, such laws provide critical support—through maternity and paternity leave, job protection, and financial benefits—enabling them to care for their children without risking economic insecurity. This legal protection strengthens the bond between parents and children and reduces stress during crucial early years.
Good family laws also promote gender equality. When both mothers and fathers are legally entitled and encouraged to participate in caregiving, it challenges traditional gender roles and creates more balanced family dynamics.
At a societal level, well-protected families contribute to social stability and economic productivity. Parents who feel supported are more likely to remain in the workforce and contribute positively to their communities. This reduces long-term reliance on welfare and public services.
In essence, protecting families through clear, fair, and enforced laws is not just a private matter—it’s a foundation for a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient society.
Following is a quick analysis of the laws in Serbia, Croatia and Greece, three countries involved in this project
Serbia
Parenting in Serbia is supported and regulated through several key laws that ensure the protection of both children and parents, as well as access to financial and social support.
1. Family Law (Porodični zakon) – This is the foundational legal framework for parenting in Serbia. It defines parental rights and responsibilities, including custody, child support, and protection from abuse. It emphasizes the child’s best interest and regulates both biological and adoptive parenthood. In cases of divorce, it provides guidelines for joint or sole custody, visitation rights, and decision-making responsibilities.
2. Labour Law (Zakon o radu) – This law protects working parents, particularly mothers. It grants maternity leave of up to 365 days, beginning 28–45 days before the expected due date. During this time, mothers receive compensation based on prior earnings. Fathers are entitled to paternity leave, especially if the mother is unable to care for the child. Both parents have the right to paid leave for childcare and sick leave for a child’s illness.
3. Law on Financial Support to Families with Children – This law provides financial benefits such as one-time birth grants, monthly child allowances, and compensation during parental leave. The amount varies based on the number of children and family income.
4. Law on Social Protection – Targets vulnerable families, including single parents and low-income households, offering services like social work support, counseling, and emergency housing.
5. Law on Health Care – Guarantees free prenatal and pediatric care, vaccination, and support for early child development, helping ensure all children have access to essential health services.
These laws collectively create a legal and social safety net for parents in Serbia.
Croatia
Parenting in Croatia is supported through a comprehensive legal and welfare framework that includes several laws:
1. Family Act (Obiteljski zakon) – This is the central law regulating parental rights and obligations. It defines custody, child support, adoption, and protection of children’s rights. Both parents are expected to share custody unless otherwise determined by a court. In cases of separation or divorce, the best interests of the child are the guiding principle in determining custody and visitation arrangements.
2. Labour Act (Zakon o radu) – Croatian law offers maternity leave starting 28 days before the expected birth and lasting up to 6 months. After this, parental leave can be shared between both parents until the child is 8 years old, with wage compensation provided. Fathers are also entitled to 10 days of paid paternity leave for each child’s birth.
3. Act on Maternity and Parental Support – This law regulates the financial compensation during maternity and parental leave. It also provides a one-time financial grant at birth, monthly child benefits for low-income families, and extended leave for parents of children with disabilities.
4. Social Welfare Act – Supports vulnerable families with social services such as counseling, family support centers, foster care, and emergency protection for children.
5. Health Care Act – Ensures free healthcare for all children and pregnant women, including prenatal check-ups, birth services, and vaccinations.
Croatia also encourages father involvement and equal parenting, although challenges remain in balancing family and work life. The legal framework is aligned with EU standards and continues to evolve to support modern family structures.
Greece
Greece provides a set of laws that uphold parental rights and support families through financial aid, healthcare, and employment protections.
1. Greek Civil Code (Articles 1510–1542) – Regulates parental authority including custody, upbringing, and education. In the event of divorce, custody is either shared or granted to one parent, based on the child’s best interest. Recent reforms in 2021 emphasize joint custody and active father involvement post-divorce.
2. Labour Law (Law 4808/2021) – Modernized Greece’s approach to work-life balance. It offers 17 weeks of maternity leave, with full salary compensation during the first 9 weeks. Paternity leave includes 14 days of paid leave. Parents also receive parental leave of 4 months, partially paid by the state.
3. Law on Child Benefits and Family Support – Administered by OPEKA (Greece’s welfare agency), this law provides monthly child benefits based on income and number of children, a birth grant of €2,000 , and special allowances for large families or single parents.
4. Social Solidarity Income (KEA) – Offers financial aid and services for poor and vulnerable families, including housing support, food programs, and access to childcare.
5. National Health System (ESY) – Provides free or low-cost health services for children and pregnant women, including prenatal care, childbirth, pediatric care, and vaccinations.
Greece faces economic challenges, but its legal reforms aim to enhance gender equality in parenting and ensure children’s well-being through legal protections and financial support.
Serbia, Croatia, and Greece all provide legal frameworks that protect parental rights and support families, though their approaches differ in scope and implementation. Serbia offers generous maternity leave (up to 365 days), strong custody laws, and financial support through child allowances and birth grants. However, institutional delays and inconsistent enforcement can hinder access, especially in vulnerable families. Croatia aligns closely with EU standards, offering structured maternity (6 months) and parental leave (shareable until the child is 8), paternity leave, and income-based benefits. Its system is well-regulated, with emphasis on equal parenting and comprehensive healthcare. Greece recently modernized its labour laws, now offering 14 days of paternity leave, 17 weeks of maternity leave, and 4 months of parental leave. It provides substantial birth grants (€2,000) and monthly child benefits, with increasing focus on joint custody and work-life balance.
All three countries ensure free or subsidized healthcare for children and mothers. While Serbia and Croatia still lean on traditional gender roles, Greece is making strides in gender-equal parenting. Croatia generally has the most structured and EU-aligned policies; Greece is reforming actively, and Serbia offers broad entitlements but faces practical implementation gaps.
Author: Jovana Ružičić, psychologist