site.bta85% of Bulgarians Consider Foster Care Important for Society, Sociological Survey Finds

A total of 85% of Bulgarians consider foster care important for the country's society, the National Foster Care Association (NFCA) said on Friday, presenting a Trend Agency nationally representative survey, commissioned by the NFCA.

The survey, conducted between May 12-18, 2025, among 1,001 adult citizens, is part of the Young Independents: How Is It Possible project.

A total of 42% of respondents say they would be comfortable with their children being raised by foster parents if they or their close relatives were unable to care for them.

The data reveals strong public support for the idea that children deprived of parental care should grow up in a family environment rather than in institutions. A total of 75% of respondents say they would approve if a close friend or relative became a foster parent, while only 10% would disapprove. This indicates a high degree of societal acceptance of the foster care concept. Women (81%) are more likely to support such a step compared to men (70%).

A total of 76% of Bulgarians believe that foster care is a better alternative to institutional care, and 67% believe that foster care provides a safe and supportive environment for children. Only 13% disagree with this.

The most serious challenges facing foster care in Bulgaria are identified as insufficient financial support (25%), lack of information (25%), and bureaucratic procedures (23%).

A majority of 85% say they would have no problem with their child interacting with a child from a foster family. Only 6% would object. These findings indicate a high level of social tolerance and acceptance of children in foster care, which, according to Trend, is an encouraging sign of shifting social attitudes.

Trend experts recommend a targeted national strategy to address the three major gaps in Bulgaria’s foster care system: information, trust, and financial sustainability. Foster care should not be treated as a last resort solution but instead be established as a professionally recognized, socially supported, and institutionally secured public service of societal importance.

The National Foster Care Association is a Bulgarian non-governmental organization founded by foster parents. It brings together the efforts of foster families, NGOs, and partners to reduce the number of abandoned children and ensure a real childhood for children at risk of abandonment or institutionalization. The association has more than 800 foster parents from across the country.