On April 26, 2018 in Haskovo, Hope and Homes for Children – Bulgaria organized a Round Table on “Improving the interaction in the process of providing foster care as an alternative to institutionalization”.
In the Round Table participated 29 specialists from the Regional directorate for social assistance – Haskovo, Child Protection Departments from Haskovo District, Regional educational department, Social Services, Foster Care and foster parents.
The event was opened by Mrs. Malina Slavova, coordinator of Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria for Haskovo District. The Head of the Foster Care Team Mrs. Tanya Ganeva presented a recent picture of foster care in Haskovo District. At present, there are 123 foster families in the Haskovo district, under the “Accept 2015” project, in 95 from the families 134 children are accommodated. In April 2018, according to the updated foster care plan under the “Accept Me 2015” project, a new foster parents campaign started.
The attending foster parents shared their successes and challenges in their responsible work.
The participants discussed ways to improve the interaction between all the partners involved in foster care provision and its role in the process of deinstitutionalization and discontinuation of placement of children in specialized institutions.