Moldova’s National Program for Child Protection (2022-2026) articulates the commitment of the Government of Moldova and its partners to dramatically reducing the number children in institutions and to a child protection system anchored in securing safe and nurturing family care for all children. The Program includes the introduction of a moratorium on the placement of children under the age of three in residential care. The age was expanded to include children aged between 0-6 years to reflect the age range of children cared for in residential institutions. Despite notable achievements in reforming the child care and protection system, there remain gaps in the public policy and practical implementation of the legislative framework that continue to allow for the placement of children in institutions.
Child, Community and Family (CCF Moldova), together with the CTWWC Global Initiative, initiated the qualitative study Understanding the Potential for a Moratorium on Placing Children Aged 0-6 in Institutional Care, in order to help the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, especially the central public authorities, in the context of national policy objectives and international commitments. The company Sociopolis Consultancy was selected to carry out this study.
Understanding the Potential for a Moratorium on Placing Children Aged 0-6 in Institutional Care presents a thorough assessment of the state of Moldova’s child protection and care system for children under the age of seven, providing critical insights and specific recommendations for ending the placement of young children in residential institutions. This study analyzes statistical data on the institutionalization of children aged between 0-6 years; examines current practices of prevention, identification, assistance, referral, and placement in institutions and family based alternative care; evaluates the knowledge and attitudes of professionals and decision makers and outlines recommendations for the development and introduction of a moratorium on placing children aged between 0-6 years in residential care.
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