Enhance Cross-Border Partnership for Transition to Community and Family-Based Care in Moldova and Romania

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Rep.Moldova

Date of latest update: 2025-10-02

Description

Description (EN):

Across the Romania-Moldova border area, hundreds of children and adults are separated from their families and communities for reasons of poverty, abuse, disabilities, mental health problems, and live in large segregating residential institutions. Such institutions were originally created to provide care, food and shelter, but by now evidence has shown that they cannot ensure person-centred services and appropriate support needed to bring about full inclusion. The physical separation from communities and families severely limits the capacity and preparedness of those living in or growing up in institutions to participate fully in their community and wider society. The shared European values of human dignity, equality and the respect for human rights should guide us as our societies develop structures of social care and support fit for the 21st century. The European Commission takes an active role in helping the less advantaged. The Europe 2020 strategy has set ambitious targets for inclusive growth requiring action to be taken to promote integration and adequate livelihood of poor and excluded people. In March 2022, Moldova has applied to become a member of European Union. In European Commission's opinion (June 2022) on Moldova accession to EU, it is stated that "The number of babies and children with disabilities in institutional care facilities is a concern", despite the progress achieved by Moldova over the last two decades. In December 2023, the European Commission decided to open negotiations with Moldova on the condition of Moldova implementing all required reforms, including in Social Protection field. In 2023, the RESTART reform has been initiated and approved by Moldovan Parliament in August 2023. The main objectives of the reform is the harmonization of social services development, funding and quality. The main activities are focused on centralization of Social Work departments through new regional structures which will be reporting directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. Despite the declared objectives, the reform might create risks to beneficiaries to access social services (which might be discontinued after evaluation), as well as risks connected with the availability and preparedness of local workforce. To be able to start working under new conditions of EU agenda implementation, new structures will need knowledge, skills and support to be able to implement the accession agenda. The project overall objective is to Strengthen the capacities of new Regional Social Work Agencies (ATAS in RO) to implement the reform of transition from residential to community based care. Circa 250 professionals from all over Moldova and Romania will exchange experience and will identify common solutions to common challenges. The project will produce training modules, based on previous needs assessment; opportunities for individual mentoring and small group coaching; will improve the soft skills of the staff of 10 new ATAS, such as team building, communication, networking, presentation and facilitation skills, conflict resolution, partnership creation, resilience building etc. The main joint topic of all outputs will focus on understanding the Transition from residential to community care, namely: Guidelines and Toolkit on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care; EU Guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community; EU funds checklist to promote independent living and de-institutionalization and other EU policies and tools. A total of circa 180 professionals from Moldova and 70 professional from Romania will participate in a combination of activities and will benefit from some or all of the above mentioned outputs. As Romania is a member of EU for almost two decades, it has gained experience and knowledge to apply the EU policies in the area of Transition from institutional to community-based care. Romanian social, economic and cultural context and set of norms, values and beliefs is very similar to Moldova's, therefore Romania's experience is the most adequate for Moldova. The lack of cultural and linguistic barrier is another advantage to the cross-border approach. Both countries have rich experience in promoting the family strengthening policies and social services and this will be exchanged during networking opportunities and capacity building events such as study visits and meetings. Both partners have experience in implementing cross-border projects and have worked previously together. Moreover, both organizations are focused on Child Protection, Child Rights promotion, system strengthening and are basing their work on building partnerships with relevant authorities in order to build sustainability. The originality of the project lays in the support to new structures created during 2024 and in light of EU accession agenda, the project will focus on a specific topic - TRANSITION FROM INSTITUTIONAL TO COMMUNITY CARE.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Over 250 professionals with mandate in Child Protection in border area (Moldova nationwide and 4 Counties in Romania) will have the capacities and adequate attitudes to lead the transition from institutional to family and community based care. These 250 professionals are unique beneficiaries of the project. Sources of verification will include the attendance lists. LP 1 will introduce all unique beneficiaries in one database and a list of all cross-border activities. After each event, based on the list of attendance, the participant will be matched with the cross-border event they participated at.

Project outputs: 23 institutions and NGOs from child protection and social services areas participant in cross-border capacity building and transfer of expertise activities(EN)
750 professionals from child protection and social services areas will participate in joint actions for capacity building and transfer of expertise(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Health and social services Social inclusion and equal opportunities

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Mo_2) Social Development across Borders

Priority specific objective: RSO4.5. Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family-based and community-based care

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 129 Health equipment

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: CCF MOLDOVA - COPIL, COMUNITATE, FAMILIE

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1011620001828

Department: NGO

Address: Ave. Hancesti 64/ V, MD-2028 Chisinau, Moldova

Department address: A. Puskin , MD-2012 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ccfmoldova.org

Total budget: EUR 271 988.65

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 244 789.78

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 198.87

Contractors:

Name: PRACTIC MEDIA GROUP S.R.L.,
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1021600040433

Asociatia Salvati Copiii Iasi

Name: Asociatia Salvati Copiii Iasi

Department: NGO

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 919727908

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 9943180

Address: Aleea Ion Simionescu nr.6, 700408 Iasi, Romania

Department address: Chimiei BD, no.35, 700393 Iasi, Romania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.salvaticopiii-iasi.ro

Total budget: EUR 167 412.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 150 670.98

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 741.22

Contractors:

Name: FONSS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 33599691

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Save the children Iasi Association

Enhance Cross-Border Partnership for Transition to Community and Family-Based Care in Moldova and Romania

Partners and Projects info

CCF MOLDOVA - CHILDREN, COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES

Enhance Cross-Border Partnership for Transition to Community and Family-Based Care in Moldova and Romania

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhance Cross-Border Partnership for Transition to Community and Family-Based Care in Moldova and Romania

Project acronym: Together for better care

Project ID: ROMD00376

Project start date: 2025-04-01

Project end date: 2026-09-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project: Access to health services for every child through Home Visiting
Implemented by CCF Moldova in partnership with the Star of Hope Romania Foundation
and financed by the European Commission through the Romanian Ministry of Regional Development, Public Administration and European Funds
Implementation period: 1 April 2020 - 30 September 2021
The project was implemented in 4 regions in Moldova (Donduseni, Drochia, Balti and Glodeni) 3 regions in Romania (Iasi, Vaslui and Botosani)
Budget: 193.408 EUR
Main objective:
Families with children up to three years of age and pregnant women in the last trimester will have access to quality health services. The action will help prevent and address developmental problems or risks of disability at an early stage. Nurses/health visitors from the 7 regions will conduct home visits to even the most isolated groups and communities to provide quality counseling and health services. Therefore, parents will improve their knowledge and skills so that they are able to provide better care and a favorable development environment for children.
Specific objectives:
Ensuring access to public health services. It is estimated that 1700 children and pregnant women will maintain/improve their health as a result of home visits. Immunization rates will increase among children. Parents of disabled children will be informed and supported to access specialist services available in their area.
Improving the skills of medical workers in the project area to carry out home visits and community rehabilitation. A cross-border network of 120 primary health workers will provide quality health services to pregnant women and children aged 0-3 and their families in the 7 regions. The person responsible for home visits will be the link between the family and other specialized services/resources available at the community, regional level.
(EN) | The new project is in synergy with European and National trends and initiatives on child protection and promoting the transition from institutional care to family and community care.
There is a synergy on the proposed intervention with the project Access to health services for every child through Home Visiting in:
Both projects have a common objective in building and straightening the capacities of the specialists in child protection; on developing and supporting the community services, on promoting the transition from institutional care to family and community care; the specialists from the health area, the nurses who are these who are visiting the children and families at the early ages from the previous project, as well as the specialists for the ATAS and STAS, whose responsibility is to visit/monitor families with the purpose of prevention separation of children from the families. Both project have in common sharing experience and learning through study visits and mentoring in development of family and community services
The synergy between the two projects is the cross boarding network created/to be created between the involved beneficiaries of the project; a network to allow the participants from Romania and Republic of Moldova to share information, find partners, learn together, find common solution etc.
Both projects have in common developing an awareness campaign among the general population focusing on parents with children, as well as supporting the families through the family and community based services, etc
(EN), Project: HOPE – Holistic Child Protection Environment in Moldova
Finanțator: European Union and the Austrian Development Agency
Implemented by CCF Moldova in partnership with Regina Pacis și MS Diaconia
Implementation period: 1 februarie 2021 - 31 ianuarie 2024
Where the action is implemented: municipiul Chișinău municipality and Nisporeni, Strășeni, Anenii Noi, Cimișlia counties.
Budget: 589.490,88 EUR
Main objective: contribute towards a strengthened child protection and violence prevention system in Moldova to end child violence and violence against children.
Key Areas of Focus: Juvenile Justice; Specialized Foster Care; Rural Education.
Specific Objectives:
New child protection policies and procedures are developed with stakeholders, shared with the community, and advocated for with decision-makers to enhance ability of children to access rights,
Children at risk and stakeholders in regular contact with children receive capacity building trainings, innovative tools/solutions and individual support to end child violence & to enable them to become agents of child protection.
Main Outputs:
Policy input into the development of the Government-led Child Protection Strategy.
Inter-institutional procedures to enhance the involvement of central local authorities in social reintegration.
Development and advocacy for guidelines on specialized foster care for at-risk children.
Community sensitization to the reintegration of children in conflict with the law.
Strengthened capacities of stakeholders in direct contact with children.
Strengthened capacities of children in conflict with the law for successful reintegration.
Establishment of a mechanism (Children’s Parliaments) to prevent and fight against violence in schools.
Provision of social, legal, and psychological support to children at risk and their families.
(EN) | The synergy is evident in their shared commitment to child protection, community-based care, direct DI experience, awareness raising, collaboration, capacity building, and alignment with EU values and policies, share a common goal of protecting vulnerable populations, specifically children facing abuse, violence, and separation from families by promoting children's rights, Both projects prioritize community-based care over institutionalization. Emphasizing a holistic approach, the HOPE project collaborates with stakeholders to create positive changes for children, recognizing the importance of partnerships, both projects adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing on child protection and rights. The projects align with European values, emphasizing human dignity, equality, and human rights for inclusive growth and 21st-century social care structures.
The collaborative synergy in executing an awareness-raising campaign. The development of a digital tool tailored for parents, providing convenient access to information and resources on the prevention and addressing of violence against children is a valuable experience. The digital tool can serve as a model for promoting community-based care and preventing violence against children. The awareness campaign will unify messaging to emphasize the importance of child protection, fostering a safe environment for children in Moldova and the border area, will convey powerful narratives, sharing success stories, challenges, and the impact of transitioning to community care and preventing child abuse to resonate with various audiences, including children, parents, and stakeholders in public institutions.
(EN), European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) Country-based Support Scheme
Project : Strengthening the capacity of CSOs for inclusive participation in society of the most marginalised parents and children EuropeAid/135-788/DD/ACT/MD
Start date and end date of the project: 13th January 2015-12th January 2018
Project locations: 12 counties /municipalities and Transnistria region; project budget: 335’045.72 euro
Objective: To strengthen the role of CSOs to promote children’s rights and contribute to the reform of the child protection system in Moldova
Project outputs/results:
28 CSOs improved advocacy capacities
108 child protection professionals were trained
977 of vulnerable families were identified and supported
13 small grants awarded to 13 CSOs
advocacy activities (public call, statements sent to the PM office, Speaker of the parliament, presentation within the meeting of National Child Rights Council)
Publications for parents of children with disabilities and for CSOs (“Advocacy in 10 easy steps”)
Comparative study of 4 social services essential for the reform of the Child Care system conducted
(EN) | Main synergies with the project is the focus on the quality assurance of social services through assessment and recommendations as well as advocacy capacity building for civil society organizations. Due to increased capacities in advocacy, a petition was presented to the Government of Moldova for the approval of 2016-2020 Child Protection Strategy Action Plan which was approved.
Networking with other NGOs was essential for Child Care Reform as it puts pressure on the authorities for policy change, funding and implementation. (EN), Support Child Care Reform in Moldova programme (since 2009-ongoing) funded by Hope and Homes for Children UK;
Total budget: 7’002’074 EUR.
This is Lead partner's largest programme in the area of ensuring the right of every child to a protective and nurturing family environment. The main components of the programme were: Support children' reunification with their families; prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families; support to Local Public Authorities in social service development and build the capacities of state social workers to ensure the reform sustainability. The cross-cutting issues of the programme were: policy development and consultation; evidence based national and EU advocacy; alliance formation; external communication and awareness raising. Lead partner was part of all relevant policy development and consultations, among which the most important are: 2007-2012 Child Care Reform strategy and action plan; 2014-2020 Child Protection Strategy and 2016-2020 Action plan and 2022-2026 National Child Protection Programme and Action Plan.
As main results: 10 residential institutions have been closed; over 7000 children have been prevented or reunified with their families; circa 400 family type alternative services have been developed; a small group home for severely disabled children has been developed; social nursery - a new concept of social service was developed from piloting to regulation, standard and costing framework development and pre-service and in-service curricula developed and almost 20 000 professionals in social, educational and public health sectors were trained. For its contribution, Lead partner received 2009 UN Human Rights award for a de-institutionalisation project; in 2021, Lead Partner president has received UN Human Rights award and in 2015 UNICEF has introduced the social nursery in their Compendium of promising practices (EN) | The Child Care Reform in Moldova programme has allowed the testing of several interventions which will be used in Consolidate for RESTART project, namely: collaboration with relevant authorities, capacity building components, facilitation skills, positive practice, understanding the Child Care reform, rights-based awareness raising based on several national campaigns to promote family type alternative services such as foster care and promote the messages of family strengthening. (EN), Project: Strengthening Capacities of Child Protection Workforce in Moldova – Phase II
Financed: Porticus and Caritas Austria.
Implemented by CCF Moldova in partnership with SM Diaconia
Implementation period: January 1, 2021, to January 31, 2023
Where the action is implemented: 9 counties, including Râșcani, Drochia, Glodeni, Strășeni, Nisporeni, Căușeni, Cantemir, Șoldăneștii, and Anenii Noi.
Budget: EUR 85.579
Outcome 1: Increased capacity of child protection professionals in 9 counties to appropriately identify, assess and respond to child protection cases to deliver high quality tailored interventions and support to vulnerable children and families preventing their separation into institutional care.
Outcome 2: Increased Capacity of ANAS to develop a systematic and evidence-based approach in its strategic and operational plans for professional development and training programmes targeting social workers
Main results:
184 child protection professionals trained
One new 24 hours training module developed
One training module digitized and tested
266 unique child protection professionals mentored/1132 not unique
309 mentoring sessions provided
6 Child Protection Policies approved in 6 STASs
A learning needs assessment methodology of ANAS developed
Relevant trainings on Learning Needs Assessment Tools provided
vided
(EN) | There are several potential synergies:
Capacity Building and Training: Both initiatives share a focus on increasing the capacity of professionals involved in child protection. The "Strengthening Capacities" project specifically targets child protection professionals in nine counties, providing training modules and mentoring sessions. This expertise in training and capacity building could be shared with the "new" project, enhancing the skills of regional social work agencies involved in transitioning from institutional to community-based care.
Mentorship Programs: The successful implementation of mentorship programs in the "Strengthening Capacities" project, as evidenced by the high percentage of engaged professionals demonstrating heightened professionalism, can serve as a valuable model for the potential project. Mentorship can be a crucial element in supporting the staff of new regional social work agencies as they navigate the challenges of the transition process.
This experience can contribute, especially in advocating for and implementing policies related to the transition from institutional to community-based care.
The methodologies and outcomes of need assessment could inform the project in identifying the specific needs and gaps in knowledge or skills among professionals involved in the transition process.
Strategies and lessons learned in community engagement, awareness campaigns, and sensitization efforts from the can be shared to enhance its impact on communities affected by institutionalization and separation.
(EN), Project: Protective foster care services for child victims of violence and gender based violence
Financed: UNICEF
Implemented by CCF Moldova Implementation period: from February 15, 2022, to December 15, 2022.
Where the action is implemented: Cahul and Ungheni (border counties)
Budget: MDL, 1.341.034
Output 1: Strengthened capacities of foster care in supporting child victims of violence and gender-based violence in Cahul and Ungheni
Output 2: Strengthened capacities of foster care professionals at national level to provide safe and qualitative placement services for child victims of violence
Summary of Achievements:
Developed a 24-hours curriculum and Guideline Methods of intervention for foster parents/parent educators in protecting children exposed to violence and gender-based violence.
Conducted a comprehensive training needs assessment through Focus Group Discussion with 13 foster parents from Cahul and Ungheni districts
Delivered 16 mentoring sessions for foster parents from Cahul and Ungheni, both online and offline, covering topics related to managing child behavior, relationship with teenagers, and various challenges in foster care.
Developed a methodology for needs assessment for specialists providing direct support in Foster Care Services, conducted assessments in 8 Foster Care Services.
Elaborated a Training of Trainers (ToT) Curriculum for managers/specialists of Foster Care Services and a Support Course for Foster Care Service professionals.
Conducted two ToT sessions on "Methods of intervention of foster parents/parents-educators in the protection of children exposed to violence and/or gender-based violence" for professionals from 8 districts.
The pre and post capacity-building survey developed
Trained 92 foster parents and parent educators
(EN) | The project share a common focus on child protection and the well-being of children, especially in the border counties of Cahul and Ungheni. There are potential synergies:
Both projects aim to strengthen the capacities of child protection professionals. New project focuses on the capacities of social work agencies, and the Protective Foster Care Services project targeted foster care services. Collaborative efforts could be made to share training methodologies, resources, and best practices that could enhance the impact of awareness campaigns and community sensitization efforts. Training of Trainers (ToT): ToT methodologies, sharing experiences, and possibly conducting joint training sessions could leverage the expertise for a more robust impact.
Since both projects operate in border counties (Cahul and Ungheni), cross-border collaboration can be explored. Sharing insights, experiences, and strategies for dealing with common challenges in the region.
The involvement of trainers for Training of Trainers (ToT) and mentors from Romania in the implemented project adds another dimension to the potential synergies, as the past international collaboration in capacity building, we can benefit from the expertise brought by trainers and mentors from Romania. Collaborative efforts could involve joint training initiatives, or shared best practices in child protection, fostering an environment of international collaboration and learning.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 439 400.85

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 395 460.76

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Need Assessment Methodology
Need Assessment Report
Capacity Building Program
3 trainings for 20 ATAS professionals
2 trainings for 120 STAS specialists
2 workshops for 40 Romanian specialists
20 coaching sessions for Moldovan ATAS
10 coaching sessions for Romanian specialists
90 mentoring sessions for Moldovan specialists
40 mentoring sessions for Romanian delivered
2 study visits in Romania for 24 Moldovan Specialists
1 study visit in Moldova for 12 Romanian specialists
Establishment of a communication platform (closed Facebook group)
Organization of one networking events
Awareness Campaign Concept and Communication Plan
Social Media and mass-media Content
Impact evaluation report
1 project launch event for 50 participants
1 Project final event
Projects main results are distributed
Initial package for visibility and promotion
Final Package for visibility and promotion

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
This global convention sees family as the "natural environment for the growth and well-being for all its members and particularly children" (preamble) and recognizes the right of the child not to be separated unless it is necessary for their best interests (Art. 9) and the duty of the state to assist the parents in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities (Art. 18). States have an obligation to provide material support for the family (27), and children with disabilities and those responsible are entitled to special care (23).
Project team will include the global legal framework in capacity building activities, will support authorities in implementation and will monitor the children' rights achievement. Project team will advocate for the rights of the child to grow up in family environment and about the state obligations. Capacity building activities and awareness raising campaign will present numerous opportunities for the UNCRC communication;
Other
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) defines family as "the natural and fundamental group unit of society" and affirms the right of persons with disabilities to live in the community (Art. 19). Under art. 23 of the UNCRPD, "States Parties shall ensure that children with disabilities have equal rights with respect to family life"; "In no case shall a child be separated from parents on the basis of a disability of either the child or one or both of the parents".
This is a fundamental right and we will use the strategy to inform and advocate authorities about the need to develop community services and to hold them accountable for the breach of persons with disabilities' rights.
Other
2019 UN Resolution on the Rights of the Child was signed by the Government of Moldova and authorities have committed to this resolution.
The United Nations General Assembly "expresses deep concern on the potential harm of institutionalization and institutional care to children's growth and development" and urges Member States to progressively replace "institutionalization with quality alternative care, including, inter alia, family and community-based care and, where relevant, redirecting resources to family and community-based care services, with adequate training and support for caregivers and robust screening and oversight mechanisms."
The Resolution will be part of the capacity building activities as well as the awareness raising campaign. Project partners will monitor the financial resources redirecting from the institutional to family-based and community-based care.
Other EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child 2021-2024
The European Commission invites Member States to promote national strategies and programmes to speed up deinstitutionalisation and the transition towards quality, family- and community-based care services including with an adequate focus on preparing children to leave care, including for unaccompanied migrant children." According to the global dimension of the strategy, "the EU will support actions to address the issue of street children as well as invest in the development of quality alternative care and the transition from institution based to quality family and community based care for children without parental care and children with disabilities.
Other
EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030
The Commission calls on Member States to implement good practices of deinstitutionalisation in the area of mental health and in respect of all persons with disabilities, including children to strengthen the transition from institutional care to services providing support in the community.
This is a fundamental right and we will use the strategy to inform and advocate authorities about the need to develop community services and to hold them accountable for the breach of persons with disabilities' rights.
Other
EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024
includes the commitment of the EU to "support the development of quality alternative care and the transition from institution based to quality family- and community-based care for children without parental care.
Project partners will use this policy for advocacy and external communication with project stakeholders.
Other
2022-2026 National Child Protection Programme and Action Plan
Project partners will provide support to Central and Local Public authorities for policy implementation, namely, build capacity of Social Work structures (national, regional and local) for the transition from institutional to family and community based care

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Rep.Moldova

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-10-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

83 / 83 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

214 / 214 (100%)

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Enhance Cross-Border Partnership for Transition to Community and Family-Based Care in Moldova and Romania

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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