In November 2024, Cross Cultures Project Association facilitated a study visit about cross-sector child protection approaches. The visit connected Moldovan officials with Danish and Swedish practitioners to exchange perspectives on child protection systems. During five days in Malmö, Tommelilla, Copenhagen, Gladsaxe, and Roskilde, participants shared experiences with cross-sector protection strategies.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
The study visit provided insights into different approaches to child protection. Denmark and Sweden shared their experiences with connecting social services, schools, police, and healthcare providers to support children and families.
At Malmö University, Professor Tapio Salonen and Associated Professor Tove Samzelius presented cases of cross-sector protection work. They discussed the Sofielund neighborhood project, where collaboration between property owners, municipality officials, police, and community groups contributed to community development – work recognized by the European Crime Prevention Award.
Systems in Practice
The Danish SSP (Schools, Social Services, Police) model offered one perspective on cross-sector protection. In Copenhagen, Police Inspector Tommy Laursen outlined their approach across prevention levels, from early intervention to youth support. This method has influenced youth engagement in Copenhagen.
In Gladsaxe Municipality, SSP consultant Rune Schmidt discussed how cross-sector protection builds on networks. “It’s not the consultants who are the SSP – it’s the network that is SSP,” Schmidt noted, describing how partners contribute to prevention systems.
Exchange of Perspectives
The Moldovan delegation, led by Igor Chișcă, Head of the Directorate for Child Rights Protection Policies and Families with Children, shared observations about trust-based governance systems in child protection. The delegation discussed several areas of interest:
- Parent involvement in prevention processes
- Regional and local capacity building
- Family support approaches
- Cross-sector communication in protection services
As Elena Podoleanu, Advisor to the Minister of Education, reflected, “The trip reinforced our belief that fear is not an effective tool for disciplining children.”
Continuing Development
Moldova continues developing their child protection system, with the study visit offering additional perspectives. The delegation’s insights, combined with ongoing work with Cross Cultures and Nordic partners, contribute to this process.
Dorina Savoschin, Head of the Mother and Child Health Service, plans to share experiences with health practitioners about cross-sector protection initiatives.
Cross Cultures' Role
As facilitator of this knowledge exchange, Cross Cultures continues to play a vital role in building bridges between different approaches to child protection and welfare. The organization’s ability to bring together diverse stakeholders and facilitate meaningful dialogue contributes significantly to the development of more effective cross-sector child protection systems.
Get Involved
For those interested in supporting similar cross-sector child protection initiatives or learning more about Cross Cultures’ work in international collaboration, please contact:
Anders Levinsen, Managing Director
Cross Cultures Project Association
Email: anders@ccpa.eu
Together, we can continue building stronger, more integrated approaches to child protection and youth development across borders.
