Moldova nears end of deinstitutionalization reform, reducing institutionalized children from 10,000 to 300
The Republic of Moldova is approaching the conclusion of its deinstitutionalization process for children, which began in 2007. Fifteen years ago, there were approximately 10,000 minors in the residential care system. Now, that number has decreased to around 300, with the majority being children with disabilities. Authorities are actively working to find solutions to help them integrate into families and communities.
In recent years, this area has seen significant progress. Authorities have improved the regulatory framework and social services, strengthened the capabilities of employees within the system, and placed increasing emphasis on assistance provided at the local level, according to Vasile Cușca, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
"Deinstitutionalisation remains a priority. Over the past 10-15 years, we have made great strides in this aspect, and now only about 2-3% of children remain in residential institutions. In total, there are around 300 children," Cușca stated during the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova.
Another form of protection that authorities have developed is professional parental care. In 2024, there were approximately 380 professional parental assistants; today, that number has exceeded 450, and they care for around a thousand children.
The system also includes other family-type forms of protection, such as guardianship and curatorship.
However, the biggest challenge lies with the children who remain in residential institutions. According to Cușca, most of these children have severe disabilities and require complex and ongoing care. Many are deprived of parental support after being abandoned or left without family for various reasons.
For this group, authorities emphasize the need for specialized services. Proposed solutions include specialized professional parental assistance and the establishment of community homes, where a small number of children can live, receiving continuous support from qualified staff.
"We need specialized services for them, including specialized professional parental assistants. For children with severe disabilities who require complex care, we need to create community homes. These homes would accommodate five or six children, supported by staff who are trained to care for them 24 hours a day," Cușca explained.
The authorities emphasize that the goal is not merely to relocate children from one institution to another; rather, they aim to develop services that provide a family-like environment or something as close to it as possible. Special attention is also given to preventing the separation of children from their families.
In this context, the Executive has approved the National Program for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities for 2026–2030. This document outlines measures to prevent institutionalization and to expand specialized services, including those for minors in residential centers.
Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection will launch a program aimed at civil society organizations. These organizations will have the opportunity to obtain European funding through a grant competition to develop services dedicated to persons with disabilities, including children.
“Civil society will be able to apply for a grant competition to create services for people with disabilities, particularly for children with disabilities. This project is funded by the European Union, and we hope it will directly contribute to reducing the number of these children,” stated Vasile Cușca.
Another important document currently being prepared is the European Child Guarantee. The Secretary of State said the document is expected to be approved by the end of the year, with implementation set to begin in January 2027 and continue until 2030.
The new framework will include support measures aimed at preventing institutionalization, promoting family-based care, and developing alternative community services for children who are deprived of parental care.
The authorities aim to ensure that, in the coming years, no child will be placed in residential institutions. According to Vasile Cușca, they believe they can achieve this goal in no more than four years.
"Our program includes this target, and we strive to complete the process as quickly as possible—within two to three years, or at most four," Vasile Cușca stated on a national radio station.
However, the official emphasized that achieving this objective depends on several factors, including the allocation of financial resources, the development of necessary services, and preventing new children from entering the residential system.
The authorities also recognize the importance of changing public perception regarding the integration of children, particularly those with disabilities, into the community.
According to the Secretary of State, both awareness-raising campaigns and the expansion of local services are essential to prevent the separation of minors from their families.
Author: Svetlana Bogatu
