The Social Work Center in Lipjan has now taken under care the other children of the parents who were arrested on suspicion of abusing their 5-year-old child, who is receiving medical treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Pediatric Clinic.
The director of the Social Work Center in Lipjan, Makfirete Shamolli, stated that the institution acted according to its legal competencies, intervening immediately in cases where the children were at risk.
She emphasized that emergency protective measures were taken, including the temporary removal of the children from the family, based on professional assessment and the best interests of the children.“The Social Work Center acted in accordance with its legal competencies and mandate for child welfare and safety, intervening without delay in situations where immediate risk to the development and integrity of the children was assessed. At the same time, measures including the temporary removal of children from the family were implemented as emergency protective actions. These were naturally based on professional, multidisciplinary assessment, always considering the best interests of the children,” she said.
Asked about the condition of the 5-year-old receiving treatment at UCCK and how often social workers had visited, Shamolli explained that the Social Work Center intervenes in urgent cases according to protocol and ensures protection through guardianship, which includes not only shelter but also supervision, visits, and ongoing care to guarantee proper treatment according to the children’s needs. “For institutional and legal safety, the case has been referred to and is being handled by the competent justice authorities. The Center remains fully committed to inter-institutional cooperation with all relevant actors, providing information in accordance with current legislation, the child protection statute, and respecting the privacy and role of each institution,” Shamolli said.Meanwhile, the 5-year-old, due to his serious health condition, continues to receive treatment at the Pediatric Clinic, specifically in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. By order of the case prosecutor, the parents have been detained for 48 hours, and a request for pre-trial detention will be submitted within the legal deadline.
The 5-year-old’s parents from Lipjan are suspected of the criminal offenses of “Violation of family obligations” and “Grievous bodily harm.”
The minor has severe wounds on both soles of his feet and pronounced gangrenous changes, and malnutrition is also suspected. UCCK told KosovaPress that the child continues to receive care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where he is being treated not only by vascular surgeons and pediatricians but also consulted by psychologists. This case was also noted in the Kosovo Police 24-hour report.
