The project objectives were aimed at reducing the cases of child abandonment and institutionalisation in four Roma neighbourhoods in City of Varna.

Project target groups were families in risk of child abandonment and institutionalisation (lonely mothers; pregnant women with many children, living in social isolation; families which already have a child / children in placed in an institution; prostitutes; families with parents working abroad; minor parents); young people with risky sexual behaviour (with many sexual partners; not practicing safe sex; with antisocial behaviour).

The project work included: raising community awareness on consequences of child institutionalisation; identification of families in risk, social and psychological work with such families; development of the capacity of young Roma parents and families and creation of negative attitude towards child abandonment and institutionalisation among youth people with risky sexual behaviour.

For two years a large part of the Roma population in the four districts in Varna was informed of the consequences of the abandonment of children in institutions. The information campaign was undertaken by outreach workers, and volunteers who are members of the Roma community. Additionally, women leaders from the community supported the project team.

During the project we reached more than 500 families through fieldwork. Of these, about 250 families wished to be consulted on specific issues, and with 64 of them we started a case work.

We identified 131 families who are at risk of placement of children in institutions and periodically observed them. Of these, we made contact with 82 families rendering material assistance, providing consultations or performing some other kind of support.

Within the project we organized a school for young parents and a training for young Roma leaders.

As a result of our efforts we successfully resolved 29 cases where there was a risk of abandonment of a child (that is, 29 families with 101 children). Three children were taken out of institutions and reintegrated into their families.

Sauchastie (Co-participation) Association 
Ilian Rizov 
Vazrajdane, block 22, ap. 91 
9020, Varna 
Tel. +359 897 900 950 
ilriz@yahoo.com