Authorities in the Republic of Moldova are reviewing allowances and remuneration for professional foster parents as part of efforts to improve conditions within the child protection system. Igor Chisca, head of the Child Rights Protection and Families with Children Policy Directorate at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, made the statement during the “Rezoomat” program on Realitatea TV.
Currently, the state grants a one-time allowance of approximately 3,670 lei when a child is placed with a professional foster parent. After the placement, authorities provide around 1,400 lei per month for the child’s maintenance.
Professional foster parents receive an average salary of about 8,000 lei, although the amount varies depending on education level, experience, and the number of children in their care.
Igor Chișcă said the current financial support does not adequately reflect the responsibilities involved and emphasized that authorities are redesigning the foster care system.
“We are currently working on reconceptualizing the foster care service so that we can continue the deinstitutionalization process for all children living in residential institutions, while also identifying more professional foster parents and providing them with much more favorable conditions from every point of view,” Igor Chisca stated.
Authorities are also examining the possibility of increasing both salaries and child allowances, while introducing a new contractual framework between the state and professional foster parents.