UNICEF and the Chisinau Municipality have jointly opened ten day-care centers for children and families at risk

Thanks to the partnership between UNICEF and Chisinau Municipality, these centers will provide technical assistance to ensure children's and adolescents' rights in Chișinău. Each sector of the capital hosts two centers that will offer services to over 500 children and teenagers from Moldova and Ukraine every year. 

Ion Ceban, the Mayor of Chișinău, highlighted the importance of these day-care centers: "Our children are our most precious treasure, and their protection and support in difficult times is our community's priority. Today, with the launch of ten day-care centers for children and families, we mark an important moment in ensuring support and protection for our children and families in difficult situations. These centers represent a safe and supportive place where children receive quality social services, and their families can benefit from support and counselling to overcome all challenges. I thank the entire community for their solidarity and generosity in making this possible. I am convinced that these centers will become a haven where children feel surrounded by care and love, having all the opportunities to develop their skills and realize their full potential."

The day-care centers provide access to multiple social services, such as assisting children at risk according to their needs, developing parenting skills, informing the community and empowered institutions about the specific needs of children and families in difficult situations, and facilitating child monitoring and social inclusion.

Flore Rossi, the child protection specialist at UNICEF Moldova, said: "At the end of 2022, we had in Moldova 13,231 children in vulnerable situations and 33,053 children separated from their parents. The child protection system was overburdened in 2022 due to the impact and consequences of the refugee crisis and the war in Ukraine. According to assessments made last year, we identified an urgent need to expand and develop new services for children at risk, including refugees, especially those separated and unaccompanied. That's why we are here today to launch this social service, which will focus on managing consequences and prevention, addressing both children and parents."

Boys and girls aged 7 to 18 and their families can access specialized services and programs, including personalized assistance, individual and group psychological counselling, safe spaces with educational materials, specialized literature, development games, and robotics equipment.

"The day-care center for children and families is a unique and indispensable institution to support our children and families," said Angela Cutasevici, Deputy Mayor of the Chișinău Municipality. "This social service represents a significant opportunity for the reintegration and prevention of the separation of at risk children, bringing multiple benefits to local communities. These centers provide a safe environment for the harmonious development of children, including therapeutic activities such as music, sports, and art. They also support and advise parents, helping them manage stress and solve conflicts, thus contributing to increased confidence and parenting skills."

To access the day-care center's services, a parent must submit a request to the Municipal Directorate for the Protection of Children's Rights in their local area. The services provided will be tailored to the child's individual needs, following the development of a personalized plan. Beneficiaries will be eligible for assistance programs lasting up to six months, with the possibility of extension.  

"Through these centers, we aim to create a safe and friendly environment where children can develop their social, cognitive, and physical skills. Beneficiaries will have access to high-quality services, such as psychological and psychosocial counselling, guidance in accessing community services, parenting skills development, and children's socio-emotional development in a friendly and safe space. We are grateful for your support and trust in this initiative, and together with our strong community, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and families," said Tatiana Oboroc, the head of the Directorate for the Protection of Children's Rights of the Chișinău Municipality.

For additional information about the activity of the day-care centers, please visit www.gdpdc.md. For assistance and guidance in applying, contact consultants at 022 226 100 or via the email address: centrudezi10@gmail.com. These activities are carried out under the Memorandum of Understanding between UNICEF and Chisinau Municipality, which aims to uphold children's and young people's rights. 

UNICEF thanks donors such as the European Union Humanitarian Aid, the Government of Spain, the Government of France, the USA BPRM US Bureau of Population, and the United States Fund for UNICEF for supporting children at risk from Moldova and Ukraine.