People who want to offer orphan children the joy of holidays spent in a family can submit a request to the sector division for the protection of children's rights. Svetlana Chifa, head of the municipal division, told IPN that such a practice is indeed approved, but each family is evaluated carefully.

The request must be filed in advance because there is a compulsory procedure that must be followed. The division's specialists must check the applicants' home and obtain some papers and recommendations from several bodies, including the police.

Svetlana Chifa says that several things are taken into consideration, including the fact that the host family and the child must speak the same language. There have been cases when a family took in several children, while the orphans' age can vary: from kindergarten children to secondary school students.

The authorities are also preparing surprises for children that won't spent the holidays with a family: sweets, artistic performances and gifts from various sponsors.

Chisinau's boarding services currently host over 500 children.