In 2017, Coram International worked with UNICEF Moldova and its national partners to carry out a training needs assessment of, and deliver capacity-building training to, legal advisors and policy-makers in Government, Parliament, civil service and civil society in Moldova, on integrating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into the domestic law-making process. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of legal advisors and policy-makers in three key areas: (i) strengthening their knowledge of the guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; (ii) strengthening their understanding of how these guiding principles apply in practice, both in terms of processes and substantive legal content of the laws across in six target thematic areas (child justice, child protection, social protection, youth, education and health); and (iii) strengthening their practical skills in applying the guiding principles in the performance of their functions during the legal drafting process.
In 2014-2015, Coram International undertook a needs assessment of prevention services for children at risk and in conflict with the law in Moldova to inform development of policies and services in the area. The aim of the study is threefold. First, the assessment aimed to gain a better understanding of children at risk and in conflict with the law in Moldova. Second, it mapped current services available across the country for these children. Finally, Coram International provided recommendations on new services for children at risk and in conflict with the law responding to their needs, facilitate reintegration and prevent their (re)entering into the criminal justice system, both as potential victims or offenders.
In 2011, Coram International was contracted by UNICEF to conduct an evaluation of UNICEF’s project “Reform of the Juvenile Justice System in Moldova”. The project aimed to strengthen the juvenile justice system to ensure child friendly procedures (including providing alternative to detention and services for children at risk of offending) in compliance with international standards. The overall purpose of the evaluation was to evaluate the results and achievements of the project in relation to the project objectives and to provide insight into the current status of the juvenile justice system. In order to complete the evaluation, Coram International consulted with a range of stakeholders, including professionals, parents, children and young people. The evaluation included recommendations for next steps in the reform process and for further policy work and programming.
Between 2005-2009, Coram International established and supported local child rights NGOs in Moldova and Tajikistan, after identifying a lack of legal services for vulnerable children, and civil society advocacy for reform within children’s law. The local NGOs provided legal information, advice and representation to children, young people, their parents or carers. The NGOs also provided technical assistance to UNICEF and their respective Governments on the reform of child related legislation. Coram International supported the NGOs for a number of years, providing technical support and assistance to ensure their development and sustainability.
In 2007-2008, Coram International provided legal expertise to support the Ministry of Social Protection, Family and Child to reform the child protection system in Moldova. The project team reviewed and analysed the laws, regulations, standards and procedures related to the child protection system, in particular those related to services for vulnerable children, including children with disabilities and children place in residential institutions. On the basis of this review Coram International made recommendations to strengthen protection system, reform residential care systems and develop community-based social care services. In addition, Coram International provided technical assistance on legislative reform on gate-keeping, the establishment of Children’s Commissions in three pilot areas of the country and on fostering regulations. In 2006, Coram International followed up this work with an evaluation of the Commissions, to review the relevance and effectiveness of the Commissions’ services.
In 2007-2008, Coram International provided a comprehensive evaluation of UNICEF’s juvenile justice programme in Moldova as part of a regional review of programmes, in order to inform future development of the agency’s work.
In 2002, Professor Hamilton (Coram International Director) was appointed by the Council of Europe as a legal expert to comment on the Law on Child Rights in Moldova. In the same year, she undertook a UNICEF consultancy to assist in drafting new legislation on the rights of the child in difficult circumstances. During these consultancies, she worked as legal expert in researching and analysing the draft law and in making recommendations for its reform.