The situation of vulnerable families and children during the period of COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has spread to almost every country in the world, affecting tens of millions of people. The restrictive measures imposed have led to significant changes in multiple spheres of human life, with major consequences, especially for the population from socially vulnerable categories, of which children are some of the most affected socially and economically, due to their dependent status on parents and / or other significant adults. In addition to other countries in the world affected by the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, there is also the Republic of Moldova. Therefore, this article analyzes the current situation of vulnerable children and families in the Republic of Moldova based on data of some studies of national organizations and the author's own study. The research results showed that the vulnerable families had suffered a sharp reduction of income, loss of jobs and difficulties in getting online educational services for their children, especially families with 3 or more children, single-parents and the families from rural areas that doesn’t have the necessary equipment or internet connection. This also has been exacerbated by the issues with offering social benefits and access to socio-medical services. At the same time numerous vulnerable families were getting support from various agents like NGOs, state institutions and other types of organizations. While members of vulnerable families expressed fears of isolation, food insecurity and other psychological and financial issues they remained hopeful and wished for a source of stable income; direct psychological, material support and quality online education. Also, the study on the changes in the expenditures in the pandemic period has shown a more significant prioritization of expenditures for goods for basic necessities in the population.