Moldova, Romania create network of professionals in child protection

Over 250 child protection professionals will be trained, in order to support the transition of children from institutional care to families and communities, as part of the Romania–Moldova cross-border project launched in Chisinau today. The initiative also includes a wide awareness campaign, that will reach about 250,000 people, as well as the creation of a sustainable collaboration network between specialists from both countries.

“Every child deserves to grow up in the safety of a family and the support of a community that understands and protects them. Through this cross-border partnership, we are transforming solidarity into concrete action and are laying the foundations for real change beyond borders. The project is not just a step towards improving social services, but also a model of effective collaboration between professionals from Romania and Moldova, with a common goal: supporting children to live in safe and inclusive families and communities,” said the head of Save the Children Iasi Association, Ioana Atasiei.

The project, Strengthening the Cross-border Partnership for Transition to Community and Family Care, is funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT Romania–Moldova 2021–2027 Programme (Code ROMD00376), with an overall budget of over 439,000 euros. The initiative is implemented between April 2025 and September 2026 by CCF Moldova and Save the Children Iasi Association.

“Aligning Moldova with European standards in the field of child care is an essential commitment to building a child-centered system that promotes social inclusion, family support and the development of each child in a safe and protective environment. In this endeavor, both authorities and civil society play a crucial role. At the same time, cross-border collaboration facilitates the transfer of knowledge and best practices from specialists of Romania to those from Moldova,” the head President of CCF Moldova, Liliana Rotaru, said at the event.

The event brought together over 50 participants – representatives of central and local authorities in social protection, relevant NGOs and implementation teams.

Over the 18-month period, the project will support the reform of the child protection system of Moldova, in accordance with the commitments made in the European integration process.