Keystone Moldova Signs New Partnership with the Government to Bring Deinstitutionalization Expertise to a New Community Living Initiative

The process of expanding community living opportunities for people with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova is gaining momentum, thanks to the support of the European Union and the direct involvement of central authorities and civil society. Non-governmental organizations will contribute to this effort by developing 47 community-based social services – supported living services and shared living services. These services will enable at least 120 adults with disabilities to build independent lives in their communities.

On June 25, 2026, in Chișinău, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Keystone Moldova, and the Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities from Moldova signed a Cooperation Agreement. The document lays down the framework for cooperation in carrying out several key interventions that will ensure the safe transition of people with disabilities from institutional settings to new community services.

The coordinated deinstitutionalization mechanism created by this partnership will allow for comprehensive assessments of adults living in temporary placement centers for people with disabilities. At the same time, a consolidated deinstitutionalization plan will be developed, followed by 12 regional plans. Keystone Moldova will contribute its extensive expertise in deinstitutionalization and community living, providing technical assistance to national and local authorities, as well as civil society partners, to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality community-based services.

“The commitments of the Republic of Moldova regarding the respect of fundamental rights remain a priority. We rely on the support of development partners and the expertise of civil society to develop quality services in communities and to reduce systemic barriers that limit the participation of people with disabilities in the social, economic, and political life of the country,” stated the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, during the signing event.

The signing of the Cooperation Agreement took place within an ongoing project financed by the European Union, and implemented by Keystone Moldova in partnership with the Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities from Moldova and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

“We are determined to provide people with disabilities with real opportunities for an independent and dignified life. Living in the community is a right that belongs to all members of society; therefore, we will promote social cohesion and non-discrimination, replacing residential care with community- and family-based care,” emphasized Prof., Ph.D., Ludmila Malcoci, Executive Director of Keystone Moldova.

The project aims to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova by expanding access to community-based services and independent living opportunities. The support provided by the European Union amounts to four million euros over a 3.5-year implementation period.