- Mr. Lupu, in the year 2004, just after the presentation of the activity report of the mobile teams, within the project “Legal and psycho-social assistance and alternatives to detention for juveniles in the criminal justice system”, accomplished by the Institute for Penal Reform (IRP), financed by UNICEF Moldova, the Superior Council of Magistracy has appointed specialized judges to examine all the cases concerning the juveniles in conflict with the law. Which were the primary objectives set at the beginning of the mobile teams’ activity?

- In the beginning, there existed only few objectives at theoretical level. We have tried to show to the juveniles in detention that we opt for their social re-integration. Apart from providing assistance and legal and psychological support - primordial objectives of the Institute for Penal Reform, we have tried to promote among the juveniles the alternative to detention as well.

- How responsive were the juveniles to the process of providing legal and psycho-social assistance?

- As it was to be expected, at the beginning, it was more difficult to come into contact. The juveniles in detention were looking at us suspiciously; they probably thought that we had come to carry out a check-up. Nevertheless, after examining and taking over some actual cases, the juveniles have understood that we could provide real assistance for their social re-integration and became more responsive. The majority of them have accepted the cooperation with the mobile teams.

- What geographical areas have you covered?

- We have been presented practically all over Moldova, excepting the transnistrean region. The mobile teams have been divided according to areas – Rezina, Cahul, Balti, Chisinau. In Lipcani the juveniles have benefited from support of the 4 teams. Nevertheless, we have focused on Chisinau prisons.

- Have all the objectives proposed by the experts of the mobile teams been attained? Could you affirm that the mission of the mobile teams has been fulfilled?

-Not entirely, because in the course, there have appeared certain unexpected problems. Unfortunately, we did not manage to work in districts with closed-type prisons: Stefan-Voda, Causeni, Briceni, Soroca, Balti. That is why we have focused our efforts in places in which we could be really useful. However, we are very satisfied that we have managed to provide assistance to more than 400 juveniles in detention. We would be even more satisfied if the project would have continuity. But as you can realize, it depends very much on the project and financing matters. The idea to work in teams is a very successful one. We hope that our experience is going to be overtaken by the state bodies as well.

- What innovations have been introduced by the mobile teams’ activity in the experience of legal practice in the Republic of Moldova?

- It is the merit of the IRP team that for the first time the Superior Council of Magistracy of the Republic of Moldova, has appointed specialized judges in examining the cases with juveniles in order to contribute to promoting a fair juvenile justice system.

Accomplished by Inga Zaiat