The Impact of Parental Deprivation on the Development of Children Left Behind by Moldovan Migrants
This study seeks to assess the consequences of parents' labour migration on children emotional and social development. The study is based on a qualitative research. The information was collected from 169 children and 62 adults. The results of the research show that children left behind by migrants parents lack emotional support and have difficulty overcoming parental separation, both socially and as individuals. These children tend to cut off relationships with their peers and instead maintain preferential relationships with other children left without parental care. On the other hand, in the areas of health, nutrition and education, there is no clear evidence that parental deprivation contributes to a worsening of these children's status. The survey showed that there are significant gaps between adults' views on these issues and children's expectations. This has a direct impact on the availability of social services, except for children considered to be in a highly vulnerable social situation. Based on the findings, the report argues that there is an urgent need for local stakeholders to develop their capacity to address more comprehensively the non-economic needs of children who are deprived of parental care.