The recent documentary Bulgaria’s Abandoned Children showed the appalling living conditions of children living in an institution for children with disabilities.

Neglect and lack of appropriate care for these children shown by the documentary prompted urgent action by UNICEF, the Government and various NGOs.

Currently there are over 8,000 children living in institutions throughout the country. The lack of appropriate care for children living in institutions is harming their physical and psychological development.

Only 2 per cent of children placed in institutions are orphans. The remainder are being placed in institutions because of poverty. Some children have spent their entire lives living in an institution. Another factor that contributes to the placement of children in institutions is the lack of community-based social services.

UNICEF’s response to the children in Mogilino

A plan of action has been developed by the Government of Bulgaria to be implemented in partnership with UNICEF and partner NGOs.

UNICEF’s areas of support to the plan include:

• providing emergency assistance to improve the quality of immediate care for children currently living in the institution
• assessing the needs of each child by bringing in specialists to meet their physical and psychological needs
• assessing the services available in the region and finding appropriate alternatives for children, including foster care.

Update - March 2008

The individual assessments of all children and young people from the institution in Mogilino were completed at the end of March, according to the plan of action for the closure of the institution.

The planning of the alternative community based services for the children and young people has started. UNICEF will grant funds for the first 'small family type home' in Rousse, which will house six to eight children. The funds for this were raised through the Bulgarian TV charity show The Magnificent Six. Negotiations are also being held with other districts that can provide access to social and health services and are close to the children's families.

Over the last month, three girls from the Mogilino institution were placed in a protected home where they can be more independent and lead a fuller life. There is permanent contact with them, as well as with the new social workers. Three children have been moved to institutions close to their families and another ten will be placed temporarily in an institution in Rousse. These children will be placed in weekly care and work on their reintegration will continue.

UNICEF supports the plan for the closure of Mogilino institution, as part of the deinstitutionalisation process in Bulgaria. Meanwhile, the charity is continuing its work with the Bulgarian government on planning and improving social services for children in need, based on the best interests of the children.

We are currently appealing for financial support from donors to help us deliver our plan for the children of Mogilino.