‘Croatia Has No Facility With Suitable Accommodation for Erik’

For 13 years, Erik Balog has lived in institutions in Slovenia and Austria because his parents cannot find a suitable place for him in Croatia. His parents, Marina and Dario Balog, now want specialized care closer to their home in Međimurje.

Erik, 22, has severe autism and epilepsy. He cannot speak, and changes to his routine or intense stimuli can trigger severe, sometimes aggressive reactions. His parents are seeking a facility with strict medical supervision, therapy monitoring, video surveillance, and an open ward supported by GPS. They say this would allow him to move with dignity and freedom rather than being locked away.

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We support every construction project, every improvement, and every new kindergarten and school in our Međimurje. But if the state and funds have tens of millions of euros for concrete and sports halls, then a solution must also be found for the people most in need in our society.

In Austria, three employees care for five residents at the institution where Erik lives. His parents say they want similar care in Croatia, near their family. They have approached ministries, agencies, and regional and local authorities over the years, but either received no response or were told that help was unavailable.

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Unfortunately, after a detailed review of the issues and your son’s needs, it was determined that there is no institution in the Republic of Croatia that could provide him with suitable accommodation.

They also contacted Ljubomir Kolarek, a member of parliament and mayor of Prelog, where the family lives. After consulting the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and the Croatian Institute for Social Work, Kolarek told the family that no Croatian institution could currently meet Erik’s needs. “Unfortunately, after a detailed review of the issues and your son’s needs, it was determined that there is no institution in the Republic of Croatia that could provide him with suitable accommodation,” the response said.

The Balogs have suggested creating a specialized facility for Erik and others with similar conditions. They question why state or European funding cannot be found to provide permanent and humane care in Međimurje. “We are simply asking the system to start respecting the Constitution and the laws of this country,” Marina said. “We must put pressure on the institutions, not only because of Erik, but also because of all the other families going through this ordeal in silence.”

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We are simply asking the system to start respecting the Constitution and the laws of this country. We must put pressure on the institutions, not only because of Erik, but also because of all the other families going through this ordeal in silence.