UNICEF, in partnership with the City Hall of Chisinau and with the generous support of the Government of France, has inaugurated a maternal center today to provide protection services, counseling, medical assistance, and social inclusion for mothers and children in vulnerable situations. This initiative aims to support mothers and children in Moldova, including refugee families from Ukraine, who are at risk of violence, exploitation, and facing various difficulties.
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For the first time, specialized services will also be available to mothers with three or more children aged between 7 and 18 years old. The center has a capacity to accommodate seven mothers and thirteen children at the same time for a period of six months, with the possibility of extension.
“When we talk about the safety and well-being of children, it must always be an absolute priority. With this conviction, the City Hall of Chisinau, in partnership with UNICEF Moldova, has initiated this remarkable project – the maternal placement center for the mother-child couple over the age of six. The center will operate under the supervision of the General Directorate for the Protection of Children’s Rights to provide a safe and supportive environment for mothers and children,” said Ion Ceban, the Mayor of Chisinau.
The maternal center’s team consists of psychologists, social workers, social pedagogues, and other support staff who will work together to ensure that mothers and children in vulnerable situations receive the necessary support to recover and regain a healthy lifestyle.
“This service is unique because there are no age restrictions or limitations on the number of children who can be placed together with their mother. UNICEF recognizes that combating gender-based violence requires a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes access to services while encouraging a protective environment for women and children. We appreciate the partnership with the City Hall of Chisinau and the General Directorate for the Protection of Children’s Rights, as we are convinced that our joint efforts have a major impact on the well-being and protection of children, adolescents, and women in Moldova,” mentioned Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova.
“Ensuring access to quality protection services and other essential services for children and women is a common priority for France and its partners, representing a crucial challenge globally. In this context, I would like to congratulate the joint projects of UNICEF and the City Hall of Chisinau, implemented with the support of France. This has led to the establishment of four assisted social housing units for children and youth at risk, the development of a professional parental assistance program, and the opening of ten day centers for children and families. These are significant and concrete achievements,” said Graham Paul, the Ambassador of the French Republic in the Republic of Moldova.
The establishment of the maternal placement center in Chisinau is among the objectives included in the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between UNICEF and the City Hall of Chisinau, aiming to improve child and youth protection services in Chisinau, including refugees from Ukraine. So far, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and with the support of the Government of France, UNICEF and the City Hall of Chisinau have established four assisted social housing units for children and youth at risk, developed a professional parental assistance program, and opened ten day centers for children and families.
