Round Table discussions on Policies for the Integration of Young People Leaving Foster and Residential Care

👉 On 26 February, South-West University “Neofit Rilski” and Municipality of Blagoevgrad organized a round table titled “Policies to Support Young People Leaving Residential or Foster Care.” The initiative aimed to launch the development of a sustainable local support model for young people transitioning out of the child protection system, bringing together institutions, civil society organizations, and the business sector to support their successful transition to independent living.

👉 The event was held within the framework of the international project “Supporting the socio-economic integration of youth leaving child protection systems by developing their skills and capacities through more inclusive leaving care policies in the Danube region (Skills4Life)”, co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-B Danube Region Programme 2021–2027.

👉 The round table was opened by Boryana Shalyavska, Deputy Mayor for Education, Business Development, Social and Health Policy at the Municipality of Blagoevgrad. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Petrana Stoykova, PhD, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities - Master’s Programs and Continuing Education at South-West University “Neofit Rilski” and project manager of the Skills4Life.

👉 During the event, participants presented and discussed good practices and key challenges related to the legislative framework and its practical implementation in supporting young people leaving the child protection system. Mila Sokolova, Director of the Social and Housing Policy Directorate at the Municipality of Blagoevgrad, contributed to the discussion on policy and institutional mechanisms. The forum also highlighted the impact of institutional support, with insights from Zheni Shier representing Generation Program Foundation.

👉 Participants also addressed challenges related to youth integration after reaching adulthood, with practical observations shared by Ralitsa Evtimova from The Power of Dreams Foundation.

👉 The National Foster Care Association, represented by Alexander Milanov, presented the initiative #YoungIndependent (#МладиНезависими) aimed at encouraging autonomy and supporting young people in their transition to independent life.

👉 The discussion brought together representatives of regional and national public institutions, NGOs, the academic community, and local authorities, including the Municipality of Razlog, Social Assistance Directorate at the Municipality of Blagoevgrad, the Labour Office - Blagoevgrad, the Association of South-Western Municipalities, Europe Direct - Blagoevgrad, Youth Centre - Blagoevgrad, the Regional Information Centre - Blagoevgrad, Forum Balkanika Association, Association for Sustainable Development and Regional Initiatives, Rilski Center for Scientific Research, and the Alliance of the Producers of Ecological Energy-BG as organizations working in the fields of sustainable development and social integration.