A day center for looking after children aged between four months and three years was opened at 29/4 Cuza Vodă St in Chisinau. Minors from families in situations of risk will receive free food adjusted to age and the individual needs and will benefit from educational activities. To facilitate the parents’ and children’s access to this social service, free season tickets for trips by public transport will be provided, IPN reports.
Deputy mayor of Chisinau Angela Kutasevich said that this is a very popular service that is needed primarily by parents who want to return to work, single parents or parents in difficulty. The parents will be able to leave the minors in a safe, friendly and inclusive place. If the service produces the impact that is expected by the community, more such centers will be set up in other districts of the capital city. This is not a service of the education component. “Two years ago, we didn’t have the component of prevention of separation of children from families very well developed in the municipality of Chisinau. The services to prevent situations of risks weren’t well developed. Today, with the support of UNICEF, we developed or strengthened a number of services and even created new ones,” stated Angela Kutasevich.
The deputy mayor noted that one group was available at the center until now, but from today there will be five groups for children. There are by three employees at each group: a health worker/medical assistant, a nanny and an educator. The families that need such support or are in difficulty must go to the local Children’s Rights Protection Division with an application and the required documents. A commission will assess the situation, the family’s welfare level and will take a decision as to the placing of the child or several children from the family into the service.
UNICEF Moldova Country Representative Maha Damaj said that UNICEF established a partnership with the local authorities for investing to strengthen the child protection service, including by supporting such social services as this day center. It is a model center that provides services intended for families and children in situations of risk as these risks should be attenuated or they can lead to separation, abuse and other negative consequences. “We all know that the families sometimes face different problems, such as financial and social ones. These problems always affect the children. These services will enable the families to remain integral and will allow parents to be the best possible parents for their children,” stated Maha Damaj.
Tatiana Oboroc, head of the General Children’s Rights Protection Division, said the center has very well-trained specialists. The children benefit from psychological assistance. The specialists contribute to the emotional and physical development of children, helping them develop life habits, such as self-service and personal hygiene.
The center works from 7am until 7pm so that it is accessible and useful for working parents.
