The number of Moldovan children in residential institutions is decreasing, while the number of children with special educational needs in general education institutions is increasing. The total number of children in residential institutions decreased last year from around 800 to over 600, while the number of children in family-type care is nearly three times over that of children in residential institutions, shows a global survey on the correlation between education and childcare in residential institutions.

One of the objectives of the survey conducted by the international foundation Lumos relates to the way in which the reform of the residential childcare system interfered with the development of inclusive education, but also the extent to which strategies, programs and good practices of inclusive education and deinstitutionalization helped manage the flow of refugee children from Ukraine.

The need to continue the process of reforming the residential institutions is one of the recommendations. The survey also recommends to review the funding formula per child in general education institutions, ensure the development of integrated child assistance services in general schools, but also the development and implementation of strategies for the development of inclusive early education.

Adriana Cazacu, state secretary at the Ministry of Education, said that the results of the study will be useful to the Ministry of Education and will trace the further development of inclusive education, which is a priority for the Ministry of Education. She added that a new national program on the development of inclusive education will soon be approved.

“Learning curves: A Global Thematic Review” was conducted by the British children’s rights organization Lumos during 2021-2022.