Bulgaria faces decline in foster families and rising administrative barriers

The National Association for Foster Care (NAPG) has reported a significant decline in foster families in Bulgaria. Over the last 21 months, the number of approved foster families has decreased by 8.4%, falling from 1,721 at the end of 2024 to 1,576 by September 2026.

Data reveals a paradox where many families are available but children remain in institutional care. Currently, one in five foster families—approximately 329 homes—has no child placed with them. Meanwhile, nearly 3,000 children and adolescents continue to live in family-type accommodation centers and transitional housing.

The NAPG identifies administrative hurdles, bureaucracy, and a lack of resources as primary obstacles. Specific issues include a shortage of social workers, insufficient transport budgets, and a lack of official vehicles to connect children with available homes. The association is calling for a centralized, accessible electronic database to allow experts to identify free families and their specific expertise, such as caring for siblings or children with disabilities, to ensure more efficient placements.