In brief
A forum in Pazardzhik addressed the role of foster parents and the need for state support. Government officials called for a stronger promotion of foster care and better regulatory frameworks. Speakers highlighted challenges such as balancing foster and biological children, reintegration trust, and emotional exhaustion.
In Pazardzhik, a forum dedicated to foster care was held on Monday, with officials from national and local government presenting the need for state support and stronger promotion of foster parents.
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Nadya Klisurska urged that foster parents “must feel the support of the State and, above all, its gratitude.” She emphasized that institutions must take steps to promote foster care so that more families will take on the mission.
Pazardzhik Deputy Regional Governor Gergana Bozhkova stressed that more work remains to promote foster care throughout the region.
Pazardzhik Deputy Mayor Gergana Icheva, who also serves as the direct supervisor of the region’s foster care social service, highlighted the need for additional work with families regarding the placement of children with disabilities.
In the following segment, Tsvetelina Arapova‑Chavdarova, head of the Pazardzhik Social Assistance Regional Directorate, outlined the main challenges facing foster parents: striking a balance between foster and biological children in the family, overcoming mistrust during the reintegration of children, and coping with emotional exhaustion and the behavioural challenges of growing children.
Radka Kezheva, Director of the Social Assistance Directorate in Pazardzhik, discussed the readiness of all social workers to respond 24/7 to reports of children in need of protection.
Foster care expert Svetlana Stamenova noted that the goal is to ensure that foster families consist of two parents, which helps instill a system of values in children. She shared that the greatest challenge for foster families is preparing to say goodbye to the child in their care.
Concluding the forum’s discussions, Deputy Minister Nadya Klisurska noted that the goal is to raise awareness of foster care among more people, encouraging them to open their hearts to children who have been left without parental care. She added that efforts must be made to improve the regulatory framework and the support services available to foster families.
