Good Practices in Data Use: Transforming the lives of Vulnerable Children in Chișinău, Moldova

Good Practices in Data Use: Transforming the lives of Vulnerable Children in Chișinău, Moldova
Abstract: With support from the Data for Impact (D4I) project, the Directorate-General for the Protection of Children’s Rights (DGPDC) conducted an annual review of the child protection landscape in Chișinău, the capital city of the Republic of Moldova, revealing the harsh realities faced by its children. Data from 2022 paint a bleak picture, with 1,874 children identified as being at risk—an alarming 3.8-fold increase from the previous year and a staggering 4.2-fold increase from 2019. Further analysis revealed a particularly vulnerable demographic: children ages 7-15, predominantly residing in urban areas, emerged as the most-at-risk, with over half of them being female. Root causes such as neglect, violence, and inadequate parental care (see Figure 1), compounded by impoverished living conditions, underscored the urgent need for intervention and support.

In response to the troubling findings, the Chișinău DGPDC implemented a comprehensive system for regularly documenting incidents of violence, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking of children. Through collaborative efforts, it has entered into partnership agreements with civil society organizations and donors, aiming to enhance support and assistance for children lacking parental care, as well as those from vulnerable families. Working closely with various stakeholders, the DGPDC organized regular capacity strengthening activities for approximately 500 specialists in child rights protection, along with parental skills development sessions for around 1,700 parents and other caregivers. These efforts were designed to bolster child safety measures and prevent instances of abuse.
Shortname: FS-24-662
Author(s): D4I Moldova
Year: 2024
Language: English
Region(s): MOLDOVA, REPUBLIC OF