Greater safety for children through clearer, better-coordinated interventions

Children at risk will benefit from stronger protection through clearer, better-coordinated interventions, following the approval of a new intersectoral cooperation mechanism by the Government.

The new provisions update how institutions respond when a child is identified as a victim or potential victim of violence, neglect, exploitation, or trafficking, particularly in border areas. The emphasis is on early identification and on prompt interventions that leave no room for hesitation or delay.

For the first time, clear rules are established for cooperation between the Border Police and local child protection authorities. This ensures that every case is promptly taken over and managed responsibly – from the initial identification to assessment and protection. A key improvement is the introduction of a defined response time for taking a child into care, guaranteeing immediate protection for minors.

These changes do not create additional burdens for institutions, but rather clarify roles and responsibilities, specifying who intervenes and how. At the same time, information sharing among responsible authorities will be strengthened to improve coordination of interventions. The overarching goal is to reduce the risks of abuse and exploitation, particularly for vulnerable children crossing the border.

The mechanism is grounded in strict observance to the best interests of the child and is aligned with the National Program for the Integration of Foreigners and Displaced Persons in the Republic of Moldova (2025–2027).