In Kardzhali, on 19.06.2018, a Round table on “Improving the interaction in the process of providing foster care as an alternative to institutionalization” took place under the household of “Hope and Homes for Children – Bulgaria. The Round Table was opened by Boryana Klimentova, Program Director of Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria and Kremena Stoyanova, National Coordinator for South Bulgaria of Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria.
The main objective was to discuss the progress of the foster care in Kardjali region and the opportunities for its improvement. The opening was also attended by Mr. Ognian Hristov, the project manager of the national project “Accept Me – 2015”, which emphasized its importance, its effectiveness and the interaction between all institutions in the process of providing foster care in the area. The presentation of the foster care in the area was made by Mrs. Dafina Dimitrova – Head of the Foster Care Regional Team. The available foster families in the Kardzhali district are 31 with 25 children accommodated there. The municipalities included in the project are 4 – Kardzhali, Momchilgrad, Krumovgrad and Ardino. The Head of Foster Care regional team also shared the good work on foster care for children aged 0-3 years. After the presentation, a discussion was held with the 21 participants, representatives of the Regional Administration, Directorates for social assistance, Child protection departments in the area, as well as the Community support centers in Dzhebel and Ardino. Good cooperation on interaction and specific cases of work with Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria’s team was highlighted. There is a need for ongoing work to raise foster families for disabled children in the area.
