Expert-Grup

Expert-Grup Recommendations on Reforming Childcare Leave

Wednesday, 7 October 20153223 views
Expert-Grup Recommendations on Reforming Childcare Leave

Automatically translated summary. The full article is available in Romanian.

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău has produced a study on reforming childcare leave for children aged 0-3 and 3-6, authored by Constanța Popescu. It was commissioned by the Parliamentary Committee on Social Protection, Health and Family, with support from UNICEF and the Government of Sweden.

The study, titled “Reform of childcare leave for children aged 0-3/3-6: shorter, better paid, followed by good nursery/kindergarten services”, was prepared under the project “Partnership for evidence-based policies for results: UNICEF - Parliament of the Republic of Moldova - Expert-Grup”. Drawing on its recommendations and cooperation with civil society, legislators have already examined a package of initiatives to improve the situation of families with children aged 0-3.

The problems identified include a single childcare leave scheme, unlike in other countries of the region, and a minimum allowance below the subsistence minimum. Parents of two thirds of children aged 0-3 are uninsured and receive a flat allowance of MDL 400 a month for up to 1.5 years. Children aged 1.5-3 in these families therefore receive no state funding, except a small share eligible for social aid. The study reflects only the author’s views and offers legislators several possible solutions.

View the original article in Romanian