At the crossroads: deinstitutionalization in Bulgaria

The National Network for Children We are lead in all our activities by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a key document that lays down the philosophy, the values and the way of work of the Network. WHO ARE WE? An alliance of 137 organizations working with and for children and families across the whole country; The Network was founded 10 years ago by 12 organizations; The promotion, protection and observing the rights of the child are part of the key principles, that unite us. WHAT DO WE DO? Advocacy campaigns in partnership with the NGO sector, the business, the state institutions and citizens in the name of the rights and the well-being of children; Collaboration and experience sharing between the NGOs working for children and families and Active engagement of children and young people.

THE NETWORK IN NUMBERS 88 964 are the children, supported by the work of Network’s member organizations in 2015; 57 068 are the families, supported by the Network’s member organizations in 2015; 13 384 are the professionals working for and with children and families, supported by the Network’s member organizations in 2015

Introduction National Strategy “Vision for De-institutionalisation of Children in Bulgaria” and the Action Plan for its implementation New Action Plan for the implementation of the Vision Key achievements Key challenges Recommendations

Key achievements Decrease in the number of children living in institutions and in the number of institutions: 7587 in 2009 vs 1495 in 2015 Increase in the number of community-based services including foster care: 221 children in foster care in 2010 vs 2323 in 2015 Increased public support for deinstitutionalisation Integrated investment of EU funds: ESF + ERDF + EAFRD

Key challenges Action plan not produced in constructive consultation with key stakeholders, including children Quality of care in the new Family Type Placement Centres and their impact on deinstitutionalised children is under question Deficiencies in the management of foster care Failure to ensure full sustainability of services

Key challenges Insufficient focus on the rights of the child, care system as a whole and not only institutions Low capacity of child protection system Persistent negative attitudes NGO service providers are not considered a key stakeholder

Recommendations A new Action Plan for the implementation of the National Strategy There is an acute need to improve dialogue and the involvement of all stakeholders Poor financial management of the whole process => urgent need for capacity building in this area Change negative social attitudes and stigma A national strategy for the early years and a significant increase in parenting support The adoption of a Children’s Act

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