The EU advocates for the reintegration of children up to 6 years old into the family

On March 21 the international conference “Protection and Care of Children in the Context of the Republic of Moldova-European Union Association Agenda” was held in Chisinau.

This year’s topic was aimed at preventing the institutionalization of young children up to 6 years old, based on national and international records. The conference represents a significant step towards assuming the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to complete the deinstitutionalization of children and to develop care alternatives according to international standards and the agenda established within the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement and the National Program for Child Protection 2022-2026.

One in ten children aged 0-2 and one in four children aged 3-6 from Moldova were at risk of being separated from their families in 2022. This is what the results of a study conducted at the request of Changing the Way We Care and Copil Comunitate Familie show.

Separation from loved ones and leaving them in the care of special institutions can have devastating effects on children’s social-emotional development and mental health.

The EU and its strategic partners advocate for the Moldovan children’s reintegration into the family. Thanks to common efforts, from 11,500 institutionalized children in 2006, Moldova reached less than 900 in 2021. Although it is significant progress, together we can make this indicator reach zero.

The event brought together decision-makers from various fields, representatives of central and local public authorities, members of the National Council for the Protection of Children’s Rights, as well as representatives of international and local organizations.