Child protection specialists in Moldova have been trained to improve safety measures for every child

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine one year ago, thousands of people, including many unaccompanied or vulnerable children, have fled to Moldova to seek safety. These children need support but, foremost, access to quality protection services. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Moldova has been working with central and local authorities to strengthen the child protection system and prevent violence, trafficking, and exploitation of children and women from Ukraine. Therefore, one of the main priorities is to train and support frontline workers to deal with the refugee crisis. This month, 80 child protection specialists from territorial guardianship authorities across the country participated in intensive training conducted by experts from the International Social Service- USA.  

The activity was organized at the request of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection by UNICEF, UNHCR, in partnership with the Association for Child and Family Empowerment "AVE Copiii," and with financial support from the EU Humanitarian Aid.  

The training's main objective was to enhance the capacities of child protection specialists to identify children at risk, deliver quality protection services, efficiently manage emergency cases, and determine the best interests of the children. During two sessions, participants were challenged to find solutions for various cases. Also, they learned more about the principles of caring for and supporting unaccompanied and separated children, as well as the new regulations related to the Temporary Protection of Refugees from Ukraine. 

Child protection specialists have enjoyed exchanging experiences and learning new methods to ensure safety for children in vulnerable situations.  

"It is a practical course - an exchange of experience and opinions. We gained relevant information at the international level. I hope all my colleagues will apply the practices acquired today to handle cases," says Silvia Tocari, head of the Family and Child Protection Section of the Social Assistance Directorate from Orhei district.  

"During this training, everyone shared their vision and experience. I will go home with useful information and a new life experience," says Marina Croitoru, head of the Family and Child Protection Section of the Social Assistance Directorate from Ungheni district.  

"I am delighted for the opportunity to participate in an intensive training. Here we could express our point of view, the problems, the solutions, and draw a parallel between the method of managing cases in the Republic of Moldova and the USA," says Mariana Balan, senior child protection specialist from Telenești. 

Since the beginning of the war, over 100,900 refugees from Ukraine have found safety in Moldova, with 26% of them being children. Among the children who fled the war, 953 had been separated from or were unaccompanied by their parents or caregivers. UNICEF thanks donors, such as the EU Humanitarian Aid, for their support in strengthening Moldova's child protection system. Every child has the right to protection and a safe place to live and grow.