Mid-term Evaluation of Implementation of the Child Protection Strategy 2014-2020 and its Action Plan for 2016-2020 in the Republic of Moldova

This evaluation study has been awarded in an international competition to the consortium composed of the Research Institute for Quality of Life (RIQL) and Romanian Centre for Economic Modelling Association (CERME).

According to the terms of reference, the key objectives of the evaluation are as follows: i) to assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and to the extent possible impact of the interventions as outlined in the Strategy and Action Plan, alongside evaluation questions on coverage, coherence and coordination of interventions; (ii) to identify and document lessons learned; and (iii) to provide clear recommendations on further adjustment of the activities and the monitoring and evaluation framework of the Strategy and Action Plan for the remaining period of implementation. This is a mid-term formative evaluation that covers the first two phases of implementation: (2014-2016) and (2017-2019).  The purpose of this evaluation is to support the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection (MHLSP) in evaluation of the mid-term results and early evidence of achievements in implementing the Child Protection Strategy and its corresponding Action Plan.

The evaluation methodology drafted by the evaluation team applied a mixed-method approach, including: stakeholders’ mapping; mapping of the actions included in the Action Plan; mapping of situation and contextual analyses; in-depth documentary review; structured desk analysis of policy documents and legislative framework; quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods. Thus, the evaluation is based on an extensive research using a mix of methodology that ensures a degree of validity and effective means of triangulation of information. The methodology includes data collection from all relevant ministries, UNICEF Moldova, active non-governmental organizations, a national representative sample of local public administration institutions (urban and rural), as well as parents/ caregivers and children (among the most vulnerable). In total, about 1,000 persons, including children, adolescents and parents/caregivers, from 34 districts of the country,  were consulted during the evaluation.