site.btaSocial Policy Minister Highlights Childcare Reform in Meeting with UNICEF Representative

Minister of Labour and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov held a working meeting with UNICEF’s Representative in Bulgaria, Christina de Bruin. During the talks, he highlighted the country’s child care reform, implemented as a consistent state policy, the Ministry’s press office reported on Monday.

“Talks with UNICEF reflect the very strong relationship we have, which must continue. We’ve managed to take an important and significant step in moving children out of institutions and providing care for them in a family or family-like environment,” said Minister Gutsanov.

The number of specialized institutions for children has decreased by over 97% compared to 2010, while social services supporting children and families have tripled. Currently, only three homes for medical and social care remain operational in Bulgaria, housing children with severe disabilities for whom appropriate community-based care is still not available. At the same time, over 21,000 children and families are receiving support through an expanded network of social services. All child institutions are scheduled to close by the end of 2025. “The guiding principle that the family is the best environment for a child’s upbringing and development remains central to the implementation of this reform,” the Minister emphasized.

De Bruin said Bulgaria is one of the global leaders in the process of deinstitutionalization of child care, and its experience can serve as an example for other countries. “In recent years, UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy have focused efforts on preventing the separation of children from their families, 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,” De Bruin said.

The meeting also focused on the outcomes of the joint activities carried out under the Cooperation Programme between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and UNICEF, as well as the planning of future initiatives. Minister Gutsanov expressed gratitude for the long-standing and productive partnership with UNICEF, which contributes to safeguarding children's rights and improving their wellbeing. He stressed that at the heart of this cooperation is the support for children and their families, with special attention to the most vulnerable groups.