“Expanding the model of Foster Care in Bulgaria”

Duration: June 2009 - June 2011.

ISS-Bulgaria is the leading organization in partnership with the Institute for Social Activities and Practices.

Financing: The project is funded by UNICEF.

Long-term goal: To support the continuing process of improving the welfare of children in Bulgaria and the real de-institutionalization through the development of "Foster care" as a social service in eight regions of Bulgaria. The objective is to prevent the institutionalization of children at risk and provide to children a safe and secure family environment in which they can grow.

Short-term tasks

Expanding a Regional Foster Care Centre model: Creating a common practice of "foster care" by the partners in 8 administrative regions of the country – social service providers (NGOs, Municipalities), Directorates for Social Assistance / Child Protection Departments (DSAs / CPDs), Child Protection Panels (CPPs).
Creating a uniform training program for candidate foster parents and for trainers – social workers.
Implementing a national foster care information campaign at local level.
Developing the capacity of the partners while developing and providing the "foster care" service.

Expected results:

• Adopted model at regional level.
• Adopted standard for basic competences of voluntary and professional foster families.
• Developed a comprehensive training program for foster family applicants.
• Improved model of interaction between the child protection system, NGOs and local providers of social services for children, and improved quality of the foster care service.
• 150-200 foster parents in the 8 regions