Due to the troublesome economic and social context in Moldova, many children live in poverty or have to cope for themselves because their parents work abroad. Some are at risk or are victims of neglect and abuse or turn to juvenile delinquency. Children from marginalised communities often face discrimination. To prevent violations of children’s rights and better assist child victims, Terre des hommes (Tdh) actively strengthen the child protection system.
To create a safer environment for children’s development, our team and partners mobilise families, communities and public authorities to protect children who are at risk or victims of neglect, abuse, discrimination or exploitation. We work with schools to ensure disadvantaged children are integrated and receive psychological support in toy libraries, summer camps, and through group activities. In local communities, we focus on preventing violence against children, strengthening families, and increasing children’s resilience. We advocate for high quality child protection services and build the capacity of professionals.
We work with local communities, parents, and professionals to improve the protection of children left behind due to parents’ migration and to strengthen families affected by migration. At the national level, we raise awareness about migration and how to prevent and reduce the negative impacts of migration on children. Our local experts help children to cope with the emotional challenges related to their parents’ absence, inform parents on how to maintain a sound relationship with their children, and train professionals to assist families affected by migration.
Tdh works with justice, education, and child protection institutions and professionals in preventing juvenile delinquency and supporting children in contact with the justice system. Our goal is to build sustainable services that prevent juvenile delinquency, reduce recidivism, and ensure that children in contact with the justice system are properly protected. Our specialists provide training and resources for professionals, strengthening their ability to understand and respond to children’s specific needs. We advocate for policy improvements and for the development and implementation of child delinquency prevention programmes.
To help Ukrainian refugee families, we have launched an emergency response to the crisis. Tdh mobile teams work in reception centres as well as in communities, where they improve children and their families’ wellbeing by providing food, hygienic material, information and psychological first aid. We set up child friendly spaces and organise psychosocial activities for children. In our mother-baby corners, mothers can rest and get products for their babies. We also collaborate with authorities and other organisations and train frontline workers.
