EU supports the right of every child to a family

In recent years, the importance of providing quality care and support services for children in residential institutions or those at risk of being separated from their families has become increasingly evident. Consequently, there is a growing need to increase the number of foster parents and parent-educators to provide a suitable alternative for these children.

Foster Care and Family-Type Homes are considered immediate forms of protection that facilitate the process of deinstitutionalisation for placed children. Authorities have the responsibility to identify family-based forms of protection (Foster Care/Family-Type Homes) for all children who cannot be reintegrated into their biological families. This involves expanding and diversifying the number of Foster Care/parent-educators in counties with children placed in residential services, while ensuring adequate funding. As of the end of 2022, according to official data, 633 children were in residential placements, including 110 children with disabilities placed by the guardianship authority. The deinstitutionalization process requires both the development of a coherent legal framework and the diversification and development of social services based on the individual needs of children, including those with disabilities, as well as the strengthening of specialist capacities.

With the support of CCF Moldova, within the HOPE Project – Holistic Approach to Child Protection in Moldova, funded by the European Union, the Austrian Development Agency, and Caritas Austria, nine prospective professional foster parents from Cimișlia, Anenii Noi, Strășeni, Nisporeni, and Chișinău participated in an initial training course in May, totalling 50 hours.

One participant, who had experience caring for four biological children, shared: “At first, I was hesitant to participate because I thought I already had a lot of knowledge, considering that I had already raised four children. But I don’t regret it because I learned many details about forms of abuse and how to intervene when a child’s behaviour is different” (potential professional foster parent, female).

Another participant mentioned: “This course has increased my confidence even more because I will be taking care of a child with special needs. I know that whatever unclear situation I encounter, I will be guided and helped to the best of their ability. We are deeply grateful!” (potential foster parent, female).

These individuals will subsequently open their homes and hearts to children who are in great need of them. However, continuous support from specialists is necessary from the moment the children are placed.

A professional foster parent was invited to share their experience caring for multiple children, which encouraged participants not to be afraid of the initial state of children who come, as they suffer from a lack of love: “I had the opportunity to take care of a 5-month-old baby. In the first two weeks, he seemed very rigid, always in one position – on his back, with his hands up. I was worried and started stimulating him, talking to him, changing his position, massaging him, to get him out of that state. Gradually, the little one became lively and cheerful, just like any other baby his age…” (foster parent, female)

It is a priority for authorities to promote alternative family-based care services to ensure every child’s right to a family and prevent their institutionalisation, providing a better alternative to placement in residential institutions. Continuous support and guidance for foster parents in situations involving children with various traumatic experiences are crucial. These services offer the opportunity to grow up in a safe and stable family environment, involving biological or extended families and professional foster parents in the care of children.

Analysing the development trends and the evolution of the number of professional foster parents and children placed in alternative family-based services, we have observed a growth in both categories in recent years, which is an encouraging sign. However, there is a need for continuous and sustainable increase in the number of professional foster parents and parent-educators to meet the needs of all children in residential institutions or at risk of separation. Authorities should strengthen policies and programs for the recruitment, training, and support of professional foster parents and parent-educators to encourage more individuals to get involved in this field.