Minister Gutsanov discussed with UNICEF representative Christina de Bruin the progress in supporting children and families

The Minister of Labour and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov held a working meeting with the UNICEF Representative for Bulgaria Christina de Bruin. In the conversation, he focused on the child care reform, implemented as a consistent state policy.  

"The discussions with UNICEF show a very good relationship that should continue. We managed to take such an important and big step by taking children out of institutions and providing them with care in a family or close to it environment," Minister Gutsanov said.  

The number of specialized institutions for children has decreased by over 97% compared to 2010, and social services in support of children and families have tripled. Currently, there are only three homes for medical and social care in the country, which accommodate children with severe disabilities, as they still cannot be provided with proper care in the community. At the same time, more than 21,000 children and families receive support through the expanded network of social services. By the end of 2025, all institutions for children should be closed. "The principle that the family is the best environment for raising and developing a child remains leading in the implementation of this reform," the Minister highlighted. 

"Bulgaria is one of the leading countries globally in the process of deinstitutionalisation of child care, and its path can serve as an example for other nations. In recent years, UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy have focused their efforts on strengthening the prevention of family separation, including through the development of innovative services. We are pleased that these services are included in the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee 2030." UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria Christina de Bruin said.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Labor Natalia Eferemova, who reported on the progress on the measures related to the European Child Guarantee. She noted that a project is to be implemented, which will identify children and families living in extreme poverty in order to receive the necessary support.

The main topic of the conversation was the results of the implementation of the joint activities within the framework of the Cooperation Program between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the United Nations Children's Fund, as well as the planning of future initiatives. Minister Gutsanov expressed gratitude for the long-standing and fruitful partnership with UNICEF, which contributes to guaranteeing children's rights and increasing their well-being. He stressed that the basis of the cooperation is the support for children and their families with a special focus on the most vulnerable groups.