of vulnerable children, such as children with disabilities, displaced children, street children, refugees and children seeking asylum and those belonging to racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic or other minorities. As girls in the juvenile justice system can be easily overlooked because they are only a small group, special attention should be paid to the particular needs of girls, for example, in relation to previous abuses and special health needs. Professionals and staff should act in all circumstances in a manner consistent with the dignity and values of the child, which strengthens the child's respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms of others promoting the child's reintegration and assuming a constructive role in society (Art. 40 par. (1)). In the context of the above, the People's Advocate for Children’s Rights emphasizes the need for qualified legal assistance from the state. The authorities concerned need to review the internal procedures in order to adopt a holistic assistance mechanism based on the best interests of the child. We emphasize that the number of convicted children in the Republic of Moldova remains a constant one with small deviations, which shows that the state policy in the field of preventing and combating crime among children is ineffective and needs to be improved. Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of the 32 27 31 30 36 32 30 children Source: National Penitentiary Administration As a representative of the children before the public authorities, the People's Advocate for Children’s Rights asked the children in the penitentiary system about how they perceive the observance of their rights in detention institutions and further presents some of the children's opinions on the subject discussed:  I don't feel safe here;  I was beaten by the prison staff:  I hope I never get here again;  I want to go to the adult prison sooner  I am forgotten by those outside. 112