Moldovan lawmakers propose higher fines for neglecting children's care
Fines for parents who leave the country for over two months without ensuring proper care for their children could rise from the current 750 lei to 5,000 lei (from ~€40 to ~€250).
A group of lawmakers from the parliamentary majority has proposed changes to the Contravention Code to this effect. Social workers argue that such a law could have a positive impact, holding parents accountable on one hand, and offering children a greater degree of protection and safety on the other.
In the village of Chetrosu, located in the Anenii Noi district, only 16 children remain in the care of relatives after their parents left the country. According to the local social worker, Ecaterina Gorgan, the number of minors without legal guardianship is declining, indicating that more and more parents are becoming aware of the importance of appointing a legal guardian. She mentions that there have been cases where grandparents were unaware that they needed a power of attorney or legal custody to care for their grandchildren. However, once informed, they returned to complete the necessary paperwork.
"It's not like in previous years; now we have only 16 children. Before leaving, parents come and make the custody arrangements – which reassures them, as they know their children are in the care of someone with proper legal documents. (…) The parent doesn't leave because they want to, but because they're forced by financial circumstances. I don't agree with fines for grandparents or parents. What's important is that the child is informed and remains in the care of someone trustworthy," Gorgan said.
At the district level, there is a noticeable trend of increasing responsibility when it comes to ensuring legal guardianship for children, says Ira Munteanu, the secretary of the Medicine and Social Assistance Commission within the Anenii Noi District Council. However, according to her, in most cases, minors are left in the care of grandparents who, though well-intentioned, often struggle to manage the challenges that arise, particularly those related to education and child supervision.
"I am concerned that some parents choose to leave the country, leaving their children in the care of their grandparents. These individuals, already elderly, are often unable to manage the temperament and needs of today's children, who live in a constantly changing society," Munteanu said.
Ira Munteanu also draws attention to the legal and administrative requirements for individuals caring for minors.
"Guardians don’t always have the legal right to make important decisions on behalf of children, such as medical interventions. We, as an institution, maintain a database in collaboration with local public administrations, educational institutions, and the Directorate of Education. Twice a year, lists are updated regarding the family situation of children, including whether they are under custody, guardianship, or in the care of one parent."
According to current legislation, parents who leave the locality or the country for more than two months and are unable to exercise their responsibilities related to the child's upbringing, care, and education must submit a request to the local guardianship authority. In such cases, temporary custody is established – a form of protection aimed at ensuring the child's legal supervision during the parents' absence.
This measure is free of charge and does not involve financial compensation for either the guardian or the child. The guardian becomes legally responsible for the minor during the custody period, with the obligation to ensure the child's well-being. At the same time, the parent retains their status as the legal representative and continues to hold all parental rights and obligations.
According to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, as of March 31, 2025, the authorities' territorial guardianship records show that 18,311 children have been temporarily entrusted to other individuals because their parents are either in another locality or abroad for more than two months.
Of these, 17,858 children have officially been placed under temporary custody, with an adult designated as responsible for the child's care. This measure guarantees the child's protection and ensures the continuity of care under legal conditions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
