Better care for children – on the agenda of authorities and development partners

In 2025, over one thousand child protection and social service professionals benefited from support, guidance, and training in interventions and assistance for children separated from, or at risk of being separated from, their families under the UNICEF Project “Better Care for Children.” Additionally, 460 children from 37 institutions were assessed, and more than 100 of them have already been deinstitutionalized, either returning home or being placed in family-based care services such as guardianship, professional foster care, or family-type children’s homes.

The project also emphasized prevention, shifting the intervention paradigm toward a proactive approach and timely support for families, thereby reducing situations of risk. Parental education programs, support groups for children and parents/caregivers were implemented under the “Partnerships for Every Child” initiative, as well as by CCF Moldova and Keystone Moldova, adding value both in the context of prevention and the national deinstitutionalization process. Moreover, the establishment of Advisory Boards of Children alongside Territorial Social Assistance Structures nationwide demonstrates recognition of the importance of children’s participation in decisions affecting them.

These results were presented today, 4 December 2025, in Chisinau, at the National Conference “Strengthening Families, Transforming Care,” attended by over 90 professionals, representatives of central and local authorities, and NGOs. Participants discussed lessons learned, identified priorities for the coming period, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and caring family environment.

Present at the event, Vasile Cușca, State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, emphasized, “In 2026, all actions planned in the deinstitutionalization process will build on the significant progress achieved in 2025 and consolidate the transformations already initiated. Together with our partners, we are committed to continuing the implementation of measures that support children’s transition to family-based services, tailored to the individual needs of each child.”

Gerrit Maritz, UNICEF Moldova Deputy Representative, highlighted, “Institutional care is costly, inefficient, and does not meet modern standards of child care. However, deinstitutionalization is not the ultimate goal — better care is.” He added that “A family-centered system is essential for Moldova’s path toward EU integration, and the European Child Guarantee — adopted in 2021 — strongly emphasizes the prevention of child poverty, exclusion, and institutionalization. Moldova’s progress firmly positions it among countries committed to providing every child with equal life opportunities.”

The event “Strengthening Families, Transforming Care” was organized under the UNICEF Project “Better Care for Children,” implemented by Partnerships for Every Child, CCF Moldova, and Keystone Moldova, with financial support from the Government of Sweden, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova. The project supports the Government of Moldova in completing the reform of the child care system.