On the day before Children’s Day, the National Network for Children will present the 12th edition of its Annual Report “What is the Average Government Score for Childcare?”
The announcement of the key findings in the report will take place at the building of the National Assembly (1 Knyaz Alexander I Square, entrance “Dondukov”), hosted by the Parliamentary Committee on Children, Youth, Family, and Sports. The committee will send invitations to members of the parliamentary committees on healthcare, education, labour, social and demographic issues, as well as to the executive authorities – the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, and Ministry of Justice.
The report evaluates the progress of state institutions in caring for children in eight areas: well-being and child poverty, education, healthcare, family environment and alternative care, early childhood development, violence against children, juvenile justice, sports and culture, and child
participation. The expert study is based on information provided by over 25 national and local institutions, including ministries. The independent monitoring includes analysis and assessments by 30 authors and seven external evaluators – experts from international and national institutions and organisations. The report includes the opinions of children and young people, as well as those whose role is to support them – parents, teachers, healthcare and social workers, etc.
The Annual Report marks the greatest progress in early childhood development but also a decline in child healthcare. Ironically, the political instability in the country seems to have drawn the attention of the government and institutions to policies for children and families, policies that have been the effort of civil society for years.
The focal themes to be presented on May 31st at the National Assembly are: Children’s Well-being, Child Health, and Education. Data, analysis, and recommendations in the report will be presented by:
- Alexander Milanov, National Foster Care Association – Children’s Well-being and Family Support
- Antoaneta Ivanova, Association “Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus” Bulgaria – Child Health
- Neli Koleva, “Together in Class” Foundation – Education
- Niya, Tiana, Edislav, and Denis from the Youth Network “Megaphone”
Stay tuned for the full edition!