Activities to support children left behind by migrating parents Tanya Stihari, Child Rights Information Center Moldova 8 - 9 December 2016, Stockholm

Context Republic of Moldova – a small country (33.700 sq km) South-eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine 3,5 mln inhabitants Chisinau – the capital Independence from Soviet Union in 1991

Child Rights Information Centre (CRIC) Non-governmental organization founded in 1998 Vision: Children enjoy their rights, their views are taken into account and they are empowered to participate in different settings – family, school, community, being guided and supported by parents and professionals. Mission: We will work to ensure both children and adults are equipped with knowledge about children’s rights, how to use them, and will support children and adults to participate in improving the realization of their rights.

Researches on the situation of children left behind Main findings: At national level 1/3 of all children at school age have a least one parent abroad. Public authorities in charge of child protection don’t consider children left behind as a vulnerable group. Social policies address only the vulnerability determined by the material/ financial needs. Quality of the services is very weak – lack of financial and human resources. Children left behind expressed a strong will to migrate abroad in the future. The reasons relate to parents’ migration, lack of opportunities to provide themselves a decent life in Moldova, and reintegration with their families.

Researches on the situation of children left behind New trends: Visa liberalization and new technologies help parents to be more present into their children’ lives. Parents take their children to live with them abroad – some children succeed to integrate in new community, some have lots of difficulties. Public opinion is more sensitive to the situations of the children left behind, but there are no prepared system and professionals to respond their needs in a proper way. More parents are in search of parental education programs, both those who are migrating and staying home.

Recommendations Raising public awareness of the consequences of parents' departure abroad on children's development in order to develop national and local policies/ practices to support children and families. Development of community infrastructure and qualitative services for children and adults (including counseling services, opportunities to participate). Parents' education in the field of communication and children's development, which would allow them to prepare children for independent life and provide them the necessary emotional support. Professionals‘ working with children to be trained to meet children's needs and to respect their rights. The implementation of programs for life skills development, focusing on skills such as self-administration, communication and relationships, and management of resources and emotions.

CRIC interventions Children left behind on the political agenda: governmental commission and plan of actions 2010-2011. Special provisions, addressing children left behind, in the national law on protection of the child. Raising public and authorities’ awareness on the consequences of parents’ migration on children. Capacity building of professionals to support children left behind (teachers, social workers, school psychologists). Informational support for parents, caregivers and children. Life skills development for children left behind.

Raising public awareness Mass-media: - training journalists - promotion of messages in TV shows, newspapers, on radio (radio serial “Home alone”). Information materials for: parents: My child is home alone children: Home alone caregivers: Children home alone

Capacity building of professionals Target groups: teachers, social workers, representatives of schools, districts councils, child protection institutions. Subjects: Supporting children left behind Management of the pupils’ class School and professional orientation Assertive communication Emotions’ management Working with parents and family Prevention of violence against children

Guide for professionals Consequences of parents’ migration on children Legal framework to protect children left behind Social assistance Psycho-pedagogical assistance Life skills development Support in periods of stress and anxiety Communication from equal to equal Link with parents, caregivers

Book for parents Consequences of the migration To prepare children for leaving To prepare the relationship between children and caregiver To communicate often and closer Changes in children during the absence

Book for children left behind To understand the reasons for parents’ departure To communicate often and honest with parents To use the money and time in a proper way Safe behavior in different contexts To ask and offer help

Book for caregivers Diversity of the needs of a child Legal guardianship and protection of children from different risks Different age stages, children think, feel and act different Suggestions for better relationship with children at different ages To ask for help

Child Rights Information Center www.childrights.md ciddc@yahoo.com