The authorities aim to establish institutionalized parental education programs to support vulnerable families and prevent the separation of children from their families. The statement was made by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, during a public dialogue on the reform of the child care system. According to the minister, these measures will be included in the European Guarantee for Children, which is expected to be approved by the end of the year, reports IPN.

Among the factors that can increase the risk of separation, the minister listed poverty, mental health issues, and the increasing difficulties parents face in raising children. Natalia Plugaru emphasized that as the process of deinstitutionalizing children progresses and children are reintegrated into families, it is necessary to strengthen the measures to prevent separation that are provided in the European Guarantee for Children.

In this context, the authorities intend to provide financial support to vulnerable families. The Minister emphasized that the state must guarantee this type of support and offer parents access to parental education programs, so that risk situations can be prevented before it comes to separating the child from the family.

Natalia Plugaru has advocated for the institutionalization of parental education programs. She pointed out that these programs need to be adapted to the needs of different categories of beneficiaries. The Minister emphasized the necessity of targeted interventions for families with children with disabilities and for families where there are issues related to alcohol consumption.

Last year, 316 children were in residential institutions, including children with disabilities. Over a thousand children are cared for by professional foster parents, people who provide temporary care in their family for a child at risk, but also provide support in reintegrating the child into his biological or extended family.