Romania introduces the first national mechanism for the proactive detection of the risk of child trafficking

Bucharest, 24 July 2026 – Two documents establish, for the first time at national level, a unified framework through which specialists can identify early warning signs of child trafficking and intervene before the exploitation and trafficking of children takes place. One of the guidelines is aimed at residential care services for children, whilst the other focuses on proactive detection within the community, with an emphasis on children in rural areas and those in vulnerable situations.

The new tools help professionals to identify children at risk of exploitation at an early stage and to intervene before they become victims of human trafficking

How can a social worker recognise that a child is at risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking? What questions can they ask without causing re-traumatisation? What are the warning signs that may go unnoticed in the community or in a residential centre? And what must be done immediately after these risks are identified?

All these questions are addressed in the two Guidelines on the proactive detection of child trafficking situations, drawn up through a joint effort by the National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Adoption (NAPCRA), the National Agency Against Human Trafficking (NAAHT), UNICEF in Romania and the eLiberare Association.

“Beyond procedures and reports, we must never forget for a moment that behind every case there is a vulnerable child who needs a gentle approach, a genuine emotional connection and the assurance of a childhood spent in safety. These guidelines create a unified framework for intervention and ensure that the specialists who directly and immediately manage cases at local level have the necessary tools to recognise vulnerabilities straight away and intervene promptly.” – Helena Omna Raicu, Chair of ANPDCA

“Data from the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons show that prevention and early detection are essential. The guidelines we have developed together with NAPCRA, UNICEF Romania and the eLiberare Association provide frontline specialists with a practical tool, aligned with the National Identification and Referral Mechanism, which enables them to take action before a child becomes a victim. This is an important step in strengthening the national anti-trafficking framework and in transforming inter-agency cooperation into real protection for vulnerable children.” – NAAHT Director, Chief Police Commissioner Maria Cristina STEPANESCU

The new guidelines provide professionals with a practical tool based on risk indicators, questions tailored to the child’s age, and a clear mechanism for assessment and intervention. The two guidelines are designed to support and strengthen the procedures for identifying and referring victims of human trafficking, as regulated by the National Mechanism for the Identification and Referral of Victims of Human Trafficking (NMIR).

Among the new features introduced are:

● the use of standardised risk assessment questionnaires;

● systematic observation of behavioural, emotional and social indicators;

● risk level classification;

● clear intervention steps for each risk level;

● referral of cases to the relevant national mechanisms when high-risk situations are identified.

“Prevention efforts are essential to tackle all forms of violence against children, particularly child trafficking, so that every child has access to protection and support. The guidelines developed in partnership with NAPCRA, NAAHT, and eLiberare are an essential tool for professionals, helping them identify warning signs early on and take preventive action before a child becomes a victim. UNICEF supports the strengthening of child protection systems to ensure that every child’s safety is fully guaranteed. Through early prevention measures and coordinated institutional intervention, children can be effectively protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Anna Riatti, UNICEF Representative in Romania.

The two guidelines include dozens of indicators that may signal a possible case of trafficking or vulnerability to exploitation. These include sudden changes in behaviour, social isolation, truancy, signs of trauma, depression, age-inappropriate sexualised behaviour, the absence of a trusted adult, possession of goods without a plausible explanation, or other changes which, when analysed together, may indicate the existence of a risk. Specialists are also supported by examples of friendly, child-friendly questions that facilitate communication and the early identification of vulnerabilities.

Provisions are also introduced that emphasise annual training for professionals, raising awareness amongst children and communities, and collaboration between social services, the child protection system, ANITP, local authorities and non-governmental organisations, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

“Child trafficking does not begin at the point of exploitation. It begins with vulnerabilities that, all too often, go unnoticed. These guidelines shift the paradigm from a reactive to a preventative approach, providing professionals with concrete tools to identify the risk before a child becomes a victim. We are grateful that we have been able to bring together public institutions, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and experts around the same table to jointly develop a tool that addresses a real need in practice. We believe that the most significant changes occur when expertise and responsibility are shared, and this partnership demonstrates that genuine collaboration can lead to systemic changes with a direct impact on children’s safety,” said Loredana Urzică-Mirea, Executive Director of the eLiberare Association.

The guidelines are the result of collaboration between experts from NAPCRA, NAAHT, UNICEF in Romania and the eLiberare Association, and were developed to address a need identified in practice, namely the existence of standardised guidelines enabling professionals to recognise high-risk situations at an early stage and to take action before a child becomes a victim of human trafficking.

They will be implemented nationwide and will help strengthen the child protection system’s capacity to identify vulnerabilities at an early stage, coordinate institutional intervention and provide children with support before exploitation occurs.