WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS F UNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE MANAGEMENT IN B ULGARIA Vilnius, 26 th June 2014

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS C ONTENT Page 1What is National Development Agency? Mission and objectives. Page 2Reformation in the social sphere Page 3 The problematic context in Bulgaria Page 4Financial provision of the deinstitutionalization Page 5Reporting the activities related to the deinstitutionalization Page 6Funding of the social services in bulgaria Page 7 Financing of state mandated activities (FSA) Page 8 Conclusion

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS W HAT IS N ATIONAL D EVELOPMENT A GENCY ? M ISSION AND OBJECTIVES. Contribution to Bulgaria’s sustainable socio-economic growth; Delivering projects to create a prosperous and sustainable country; Working in close partnership with other NGOs, public administrations and businesses; Improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training; Institutional building and strengthening of administrative capacity; PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES: Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme Lifelong Learning Programme South-East Europe Transnational Cooperation Programme National programmes

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Reformation in the social sphere Ongoing reform in the social services in Bulgaria Programmes and projects. Reformation problems No synchronized approach In politics, between institutions and the involvement of various vulnerable groups. Large sections of the population live in extreme poverty and often services are inaccessible and inadequate, regardless of investment programs and other donors.

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Reformation in the social sphere Our understanding of effective support for vulnerable individuals Effective support includes the provision of adequate social welfare services and adaptation of the environment - a combination of adequate measures. Our understanding of social services For us the social services are necessary to support the individual, family or group, not to impose sanctions.

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS The problematic context in Bulgaria The process of deinstitutionalization in Bulgaria Crucial place for successful social policy of deinstitutionalizational process is the creation of conditions for integration (social, educational, cultural). Financial provision of the deinstitutionalization At state level policy, the deinstitutionalisation processes depend on the resources that are allocated from operational programs and activities delegated by the state and municipal budgets.

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Disclosure of Services "fresh air" Opening of social services that serve more for the interests of the local authorities, rather than the interests of the consumers of social services. limited access to qualified staff that provides services: social workers, psychologists, special educators, officers, etc.; limited opportunities for quality education, not to mention the lifelong education; limited access to specialized medical care and services; Deinstitutionalization is entirely focused on institutions for children. Institutions for the elderly are without adequately developed alternative services that provide support for the aging people in the community.

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Reporting the activities related to the deinstitutionalization Promoting social inclusion – main focuses and priority areas The Process requires effective planning of funds and human resources “Statistical" approach for children placed in institutions the number of children in institutions is much larger than it’s presented. Moving from institution to institution - measurement for reducing the number of institutions Closure of institutions is considered when the people who live there are moved to another similar one. Decentralization? The decentralisation is inherently a delegation to municipalities by the central government, so that they can provide services and have the responsibility to determine their quantity and quality.

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Mechanisms for financing social services mechanism for negotiating of social services with external suppliers which is not well developed Privileged position of the municipalities: providers of services without registration/ license Licensing and registration regimes for private providers are extremely strict, while municipalities can provide social services without the necessary registrations/licenses which are required for private providers Unclear control mechanics of state funds delegated by the state authority Assignment of a supplier, done without considering the specifics of the business of the private provider

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS How are the social services in Bulgaria funded? Funding through the Operational Programmes - main issues Funds for the administration of social services are allocated to the principle of grant schemes which have a small budget and are short-term. A clear mechanism of unfair competition. Micro-management of the programs.

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Financing of state mandated activities (FSA) Problems arising from the possibility of FSA funding Financial sustainability of NGOs service providers: NGOs which are involved with social services are mostly donor-driven and / or sub-contractors of the municipalities. Services are revealed due to higher single financial standard and not according to the needs of the population. Mechanisms for funding, monitoring and implementation in order to ensure a basic principle of service are lacking their basic principle

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Conclusions After the problems accompanying the provision of social services in Bulgaria are determined, we can draw the following conclusions: ● Deinstitutionalization and decentralization (in its second stage) are still a challenge; ● The reform has begun, but does not lead to the efficient outcomes which are expected from it; ● There is a lack of comprehensive and synchronized approach in politics between institutions for inclusion and involvement of various vulnerable groups; ● Very often services are inaccessible and inadequate; ● Poor control and poor mechanisms for ensuring quality of services; ● Erratic and sporadic opening of services which is rarely based on preliminary research ● Excessive bureaucracy of the social support system; ● Little or no control and influence over the actions and decisions of local authorities

WIT is a project funded under the EC Programme PROGRESS Thank you for your attention! This training material is supported by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity - PROGRESS ( ). This programme is implemented by the European Commission. It was established to financially support the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the employment, social affairs and equal opportunities area, and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Europe 2020 Strategy goals in these fields. The seven-year Programme targets all stakeholders who can help shape the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation and policies, across the EU-27, EFTA-EEA and EU candidate and pre-candidate countries. For more information see: The information contained in this publication doesn’t necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission.