The aim of the project was to provide quality prevention of abandonment of children with disabilities through creation of a network of parents for contact. The role of the Parent for contac is to listen, to offer understanding, advice and information to parents of newborn children with similar problems so that they are able to care after them better. 

The project was aimed at children born with facial malformations and their parents as well as medical specialists at maternal clinics in the country. From May 2009 to the end of 2012 more than 120 families of children with congenital facial abnormalities contacted the parents for contact that were trained in the frame of the project. Out of these some 68 families have looked for information and support numerous times. Not only tens of families form over than 20 towns in the country but also Bulgarian families from Spain and other countries have asked for support. 

The activities included creation of a network of 22 parents for contact and delivery of 4 four training courses led by specialists in various subjects. An algorithm for action in case of a birth of a child with disability has been developed on the basis of algorithm for action when a child with a clef mouth has been born. This algorithm has been presented to 34 medical specialists at clinics in the regional centres in South Bulgaria, the Ministry of Health and a Health Commission at the European Parliament. 

The Parent for contact model was presented to six civil organisations in Bulgaria; one of these is already applying the model in its work with children with disabilities and their parents.

As a result of the project implementation a child born with facial malformation was not abandoned. Two other children with congenital facial abnormalities placed in institutions for babies in Pleven and Russe were reintegrated with their families. After consultations provide for nine prenatal diagnosed pregnant women none of them went for abortion or abandoned her child later. 

ALA Association got involved in an initiative of the European Science Foundation for development of standards for treatment of facial abnormalities on a European level. A representative of the association is taking part in the scientific programme for Bulgaria. It is expected that the algorithm for acting in case of a birth of a child with disability to be included in a standard valid for all European countries. e 

Association of Patients with Congenital Facial Abnormalities and their Parents – ALA 
Jana Angelova 
Plovdiv 4002 
66, Pechtersko chausse Bul., fl. 3 
Surgical Clinics, Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery Ward 
Tel/ fax: +359 32 60 29 35 
office@ala-bg.org  
www.ala-bg.org