[size=75:ju3vylqu]novinite November 26, 2009

50% of Bulgarians Willing to Become Foster Parents

he majority of Bulgarians – 70% believe foster care is a positive measure while 50% are willing to become foster parents.

The data was revealed through a poll of Gallup International conducted in October 2009.

Those who are willing to assume the responsibility, however, have certain conditions – they include people who do not have children on their own or have grown up children and people who would do it if they receive reimbursement from the State.

The poll further shows that about 25% do not want to become foster parents while some families already approved to become such are still waiting for children.

One tenth of Bulgarians are skeptical about the measure. They either think that the child will be hurting when he or she needs to leave the foster family, or that they will not be able to properly care for children at risk, the Gallup data shows.

Elka Nalbantova from the “For Our Children” Foundation, who presented the results of the study, added that another alarming fact is the social scorn towards children born out of wedlock and people taking care of them.

Nalbantova explained the skeptics are mostly people over the age of 55 and those from ethnic Turkish background while women between 25 and 55, living in big cities, are the most open to the idea. However, all willing to become foster parents expect reimbursement in the amount of an average BGN 420.

The number of children placed with foster parents in the first half of 2009 is 84, while the total number of foster children in Bulgaria is 218. In the meantime statistics show that 7 109 abandoned children live in Bulgaria’s 138 orphanages.

Thanks for that info Ash very interesting indeed - Although they are making headway, which is just brilliant!! but this just goes to show exactly how much work is needed in Bulgaria. Small steps at a time

Oddy

Its good to know that at least some of the Bulgarians are also doing something to help the children

sarah

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Indeed it is Sarah. When we were there in Sept and we were trying to get Bulgarian to help us, we found it very difficult to explain 'charity' to them, as we know, they don't have a lot themselves. Most of the people we know will willingly help us. But it's the concept of charity, that they had not come across before and were so surprised that we, British people would want to give to children we don't even know. Once we explained what it was we are trying to achive than they were egar to help.

It takes them a while to understand, but yes there are a lot of good people who, if asked will gladly help.

Oddy [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]