The overall development of child and family care policies, improving the quality of child care in foster families and residential social services, measures to prevent violence against children, preventing school drop-out and improving access to health care will be part of the priorities in the new partnership program between the Government of Bulgaria and UNICEF for the period 2023-2027. This was agreed by Minister Georgi Gyokov and the representative of the UN Children's Fund for our country Christina de Bruin during today's meeting at the Ministry of Labor and social policy (MLSP).

Among the main directions in the partnership between Bulgaria and UNICEF will be the implementation of the initiative of the European Commission - the European Child Guarantee, as a key initiative to reduce child poverty and social exclusion at the European level. "Over 140m euros will be invested through the Human Resources Development Program and the Education Program in measures in this direction over the next 7 years", said Deputy Minister Ivan Krastev, who also attended the meeting. "The 2022 draft state budget envisages nearly 25% growth in social spending. It will be similar to the increase in the amount of allowances for children and the families that will be supported by them", he added.

Christina de Bruyne praised Bulgaria's leadership role in the implementation of the European Child Guarantee and the progress of our country in preparing the sub-normative framework for the implementation of the Social Services Act. The talks also focused on the results of the reform of the deinstitutionalization of childcare.

"The partnership between UNICEF and the MLSP is an example of long-term, successful and effective cooperation in the implementation of policies to support children and families. Ensuring the best interests of the child, increasing the well-being of children and supporting families, with a special focus on those in vulnerable situations, are the basis of our cooperation", said Minister Georgi Gyokov.