The psychological assistance is the exception rather than the rule for the national education institutions. Even if such a service in schools became a legal obligation, few of the schools are able to ensure it. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, Valentin Crudu, head of the Education Ministry’s Preuniversity Education Division, confirmed that the Education Law envisions hiring school psychologists, but a Government Decision specifies that this norm is applied only in the schools with at least 600 students. “In the rural areas, there are no school psychologists for the reason that the number of students has decreased because of migration,” said Valentin Crudu. He also said that work was done in 2011 to create a psychopedagogical assistance service. The district authorities must identify financial resources for creating such services under education divisions. Psychological services should be provided in the settlements where the schools do not have a psychologist. The beneficiaries will be not only the children, but also the parents and teachers. “The regulations were worked out. They must only be approved,” said Valentin Crudu. Ludmila Rushevski, vice director of the Chisinau-based Vocational School No. 1, said the institution has 1 100 students, but did not hire a psychologist. “We want a psychologist as such a service is needed. But we are a vocational school and are forgotten,” she stated, adding that the students at vocational schools study for three years and are at an age when they need appropriate counseling. Domnica Cornea, head of the boarding school in Japca, Floresti, said that 139 children go to the local school. Even if the number of students is low, the school needs a psychologist as these children face problems. Ala Lozan, psychologist at the Chisinau-based Theoretical High School “Gh. Asachi” that is attended by 1 984 students, said they encounter different situations when the assistance of psychologists is needed as they can assess them from a neutral position and help the persons in difficulty to find a solution. “The parents and teachers most often complain about behavioral and personality problems in children. The children seek help when they come into conflict with classmates or with the teachers and parents. Only 25% of the children go to the psychologist voluntarily. In the other cases, the parents or teachers inform about the existing problems,” said Ala Lozan. Under the Education Law, psychological assistance must be ensured in the kindergartens of all types, in primary and secondary schools, high schools, vocational schools and special schools (for children with motor, mental and other disabilities), general boarding schools, sanatorium schools, schools for children with behavioral difficulties, extra-school institutions, specialized schools (music, choreography, sports and plastic arts), and in summer camps.