In order to comply with the national legislation in the social sphere and to help families at risk, foster parents undertook a 7-month training at the Center for Vocational Training of the Bulgarian Industrial Association and acquired a professional qualification "Assistant in social activities". The certificates for the completed training were presented at a special ceremony by BIA’s Chairman Radosvet Radev and the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Denitsa Sacheva.
"As a father of four, I truly admire the responsible mission of foster parents. I am convinced that by taking care of children who are suffering and cannot be with their families, you are not only creating personalities, but also reducing the social investment we would pay if your children became dependent of the social system. I am convinced that taking care of these children is an investment in our nation and in our economy in the long term, "BIA Chairman Radosvet Radev commented during the ceremony.
Today's event is a milestone for the Parents + initiative, run by the National Foster Care Association, with the support of A1 Bulgaria. The project covers 9 regions in the country. The Parental Assistance Model will be applied to families in which children are living in poverty and experiencing health, social or educational difficulties. The priority for foster parents will support single mothers of infants, parents of children with disabilities and elderly children who look after their younger siblings due to the migration of their parents.
"It is our common duty, not only for the institutions but also for the foster parents, to present more good examples and good people. Because fears stem from doubts about whether there are good people in foster care. I worry as a minister and as a person that we are not talking about distrust of the institutions, but about distrust of one another as a society. The initiative you make as parents and the foster parent association - helping families in need of support is a step forward in the true mission and role of the foster parent - supporting the family, giving advice and, serving as the navigator of families in the social, health and education systems, "Labor Minister Denitsa Sacheva commented during the ceremony.
The Parents + program will support 200 families through the Mobile Center for Information, Counseling, Training and Support for Adults at Risk, which is registered in the Register of Social Services Providers with the Social Assistance Agency.
