On November 13th, 2018 in Hall 2 of hotel Rila in Sofia, “International Social Service – Bulgaria” and 5 other NGO`s – “Concordia – Bulgaria” Foundation, “Cedar” Foundation, Association “SOS Children’s Homes – Bulgaria”, “Children and Space” Association and “Equilibrium” Association organized and held a seminar on “Models /pedagogical concepts of residential care implemented in the Center for Children with and without Disabilities managed by NGOs”.

The event was carried out in partnership with the Operational Program “Human Resources Development” as part of the National Campaign “Mission is Possible” in support of the deinstitutionalization of childcare in Bulgaria. The seminar was opened by Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Zornitsa Rusinova. The participants were welcomed by Dr. Sabina Sabeva and Mr. Valeri Yordanov.

More than 50 professionals from different government and non-government organizations took part in the seminar.

Each of the six NGO`s who organized the seminar, presented its model / approach / concept of work. These presentations were followed by discussions on the nature of a model, a number of questions were asked about the theoretical basis of the models, their applicability in municipalities, the connection of the applicability of the approach with guaranteeing the support for the children, from other local stakeholders – schools, childcare facilities, police, personal doctors, etc.

The conclusions and suggestions that were made will be presented to state institutions to support the process of developing new quality standards for residential care focusing primarily on its effectiveness for the development and socialization of the children and youngsters.