The implementation of the "Cash Plus" model in the Social Assistance program: a new approach for social inclusion and labour market integration of people with minimum income

Through case management, the "Cash Plus" model aims to provide financial support/social assistance and facilitate social inclusion and labor market access for vulnerable individuals and families seeking employment. This model strengthens beneficiaries' ability to overcome challenges, utilize available resources, and build a more stable and independent future by providing sustainable solutions. During the workshop, participants discussed implementing case management as a crucial tool to help social workers identify issues, propose solutions, and monitor the delivery of social assistance measures to beneficiaries.

At the event's opening, State Secretary Vasile Cușca emphasized the importance of collaboration among governmental institutions, civil society, and international organizations, noting that this model will significantly enhance social assistance measures provided to disadvantaged groups, promoting their social inclusion and employment opportunities.

"Certain interventions are needed within the Social Assistance Program to improve its effectiveness through implementing case management—a tool that helps frontline social workers identify problems and determine appropriate social assistance measures for disadvantaged groups," said Vasile Cușca.

Michał Rutkowski, World Bank Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, and Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova, underscored the necessity of an integrated system linking social, educational, and health services with financial transfers.

"Investing in case management for social assistance beneficiaries exemplifies a modern approach to social welfare. Case management is essential for connecting beneficiaries with social workers and available services. Moldova can learn from international theory and practice, accessing evidence-based successful models, and this workshop offers an opportunity to share these experiences," said Michał Rutkowski.

"Moldova has achieved significant progress in combating poverty and supporting vulnerable families through the Social Assistance program. However, financial aid alone cannot break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion. We must ensure that vulnerable and poor households—especially those from marginalized communities, families with children, Roma populations, and rural areas—have access to a comprehensive support package: social assistance, employment opportunities, skill development, and broader social inclusion initiatives. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting Moldova's Government in integrating social protection with social services to create a more inclusive and resilient society where every child has a chance to thrive," said Maha Damaj.

Topics discussed during the workshop included implementing case management in guaranteed minimum income programs, digitalizing the process, learning lessons from European experiences, and integrating them into the local context. International successful examples such as Italy’s GePi system, North Macedonia’s SWIS, and Albania's case management were presented, and solutions were identified for operationalizing this model within the RESTART social assistance system reform.

Oleg Barcari, Head of the Directorate for Social Assistance Policies for Low-income Families and Elderly People, presented the Concept Note on "Social Assistance Plus," highlighting the importance of implementing an effective case management mechanism that connects social assistance with necessary services.

"We intend to develop within the Social Assistance Program a case management tool that is practical and effective for frontline professionals, facilitating their duties while providing tangible support to end beneficiaries—not just an administrative procedure," said Oleg Barcari.

Workshop participants worked in groups to define services to be integrated into the program, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of case management and the implementation of the Social Assistance Program.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with the World Bank and UNICEF, contributed to a shared understanding of the "Cash Plus" model and case management and established the next steps for reforming the Social Assistance Program. It also strengthened collaboration between the Government, development partners, and other stakeholders in implementing integrated social protection strategies and labor market inclusion for vulnerable individuals in Moldova.