To improve the dialogue with the authorities, an informal ombudsman of parents of children with disabilities will be appointed in each social assistance division. This person will represent the interests of children and their families, facilitating their communication and helping. The initiative was presented at a press club meeting by Minister of Labour and Social Protection Alexei Buzu. The official said that there are 640 children with severe disabilities in placement centers. Even if they receive specialized care and are visited by parents, the most favorable environment for the development of children is in the family, in the community, not in a placement center. Therefore, these families must be supported, IPN reports.
The minister stressed that prejudices that the people with disabilities should be isolated, unaccepted and should not have access to appropriate infrastructure and transport still persist in society. These stereotypes must be debunked in order to create a more inclusive society.
Although there are still too many cases of child abandonment, infant mortality has decreased. “We have invested a lot in neonatal medicine. For example, screening is done on pregnant mothers. Particular problems are identified early. Many prevention elements are implemented and we have fewer such situations,” said Alexei Buzu.
Between September 2022 and August 2023, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and UNICEF provided financial aid and social services through the “Support for Families with Children” service, thus preventing the separation of children from their parents and other risk situations for over 14,000 families and 34,000 children.
