EveryChild
4 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London
EC2A 3DR
T +44 (0)20 7749 2468
F +44 (0)20 7729 8339
Moldova
Country Overview
Since declaring independence from Soviet rule in 1991, Moldova's transition to a market economy has presented a daunting range of economic, political and social challenges. High unemployment and soaring living costs have meant that 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.
High unemployment, poor housing and limited social services have weakened the ability of parents to care for their children. It is not uncommon for two or three generations of one family to live together in an apartment with only one or two rooms. Under this extreme pressure, family breakdown has become more common and has resulted in greater numbers of institutionalised, neglected and homeless children. We estimate that there are approximately 12,000 children living in institutional care in Moldova today.
Life in an institution is nearly always damaging to children. As well as showing signs of physical and emotional delays, young adults who have spent a large part of their childhood in large residential institutions are more likely to be unemployed, homeless, abuse substances, or be involved in criminal activities. Sadly, parents who have been placed in an institution themselves are likely to do the same to their children – perpetuating an endless cycle.
What are the key issues?
- Poverty
- Child abandonment
- Institutionalisation of children
- Lack of adequate family support services
What is EveryChild's main focus?
- Family support
- Reform of existing childcare systems
- Deinstitutionalisation of children
How is EveryChild helping?
We believe all children have the right to live in a family-type environment and are working with the Government to prevent vulnerable children from being placed in institutions. We develop practical services which offer advice, guidance and family-based solutions to parents at risk – often all they need is a little support to help keep their child at home.
When it is not in the best interests of the child to live with their parents, we develop family-based alternatives like foster care. Daycare facilities for children with disabilities offer treatment, rehabilitation and much needed respite for families. By raising awareness and combating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, we are working to increase the availability of care and support for children affected and infected by the disease.
We are also managing an EU-funded project called 'Capacity Building in Social Policy Reform' which supports the government of Moldova to meet its long-term aim of reducing the number of children in institutional care. This includes developing new services for children and families, reforming legislation, raising public awareness and the development of a national programme of in-service social work training.
As a result of our work, the number of children living in large-scale institutions has dropped by 20% in at least two regions where we work. Many of these children have been reintegrated into foster families and family-type environments.
Hundreds have been prevented from abandonment or institutionalisation, and are being brought up within families instead. These children, who would otherwise be vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and trafficking, are being raised in a secure, loving environment in which they are assured a proper education, sufficient healthcare and a good standard of living.