Development of Crisis Center for Children- village of Balvan, Municipality Veliko Tarnovo

Duration: 15 August – 31 December 2006

Implemented by: ISS-Bulgaria

Objective: Develop an alternative service, which provides a variety of social services for children victims of violence and trafficking, in order to satisfy their daily needs, overcome the trauma and establish conditions for social integration.

Beneficiaries: 10 children above 6 years old, victims of trafficking or violence.

Services provided in the Crisis centre: 1. Provide shelter and food. The centre provides a 24-hour service. The daily activities are reproducing home conditions as much as possible: the children participate in food serving, dish washing, taking care of the hygiene in the premises they use. The food is supplied by a central kitchen which meets the requirements for rational nutrition of children in relation to their age. 2. Satisfy health needs: Access to medical services, and when necessary a visitation by a specialist is assured for the children. 3. Provide emotional and psychological support in overcoming the trauma: The team gives psychological support; the psychologist performs therapeutical work. 4. Assure child's participation in the educational process: The children are prepared to return to school or other methods for the continuation of their education are provided, in compliance with the National Education Act. 5. Consulting and information: It is executed in a specially designed atmosphere for groups or individuals; it is based on previously developed programs and plans in relation to the children's needs. The consulting may be Social, Psychological, Pedagogical, Health, Educational, Vocational, Other. 6. Training in the life and social skills adapted to the child's age: Depending on the evaluation of one's needs the work is directed towards the establishment of: skills to take care of oneself; social integration; coping with aggression and other feelings; communication skills; establishment and maintenance of relations with others, e.g. sexual; skills for job search and others. 7. Organizing free time - sports games, art and hand-made activities, music, etc. 8. Cooperating in sufficient inclusion, social support and social integration.

Financing: by the Social Assistance Fund of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy– 10 360 EUR