Foster parents will sign special contracts that will guarantee their social security and health rights, including their right to pension and sickness and maternity benefits. These changes should be incorporated into the Social Security Code (SSC) and the Health Insurance Law, suggests the Advisory Expert Council for the development and approval of a sustainable model of foster care in Bulgaria, which is supported by the current leadership of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP ). This was announced by the resigned Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivanka Shalapatova on Friday.
Currently, the financing of foster care is provided only by European funds under the “Human Resources Development” Program, and the project ends in December of this year. Therefore, according to Shalapatova, a financial standard for foster care will also be developed.
Currently, the civil contract does not give foster parents any insurance rights, Shalapatova further specified. “The proposal for a special contract compensates for their greatest need – insurance in the “Common Illness and Maternity” fund, as well as under the pension insurance system. These two needs are the greatest, and with the new type of contract, foster parents will have the right to monetary benefits, for example, for temporary incapacity in case of general illness or quarantine”pointed out Shalapatova.
They will acquire the right to cash benefits for pregnancy and childbirth, raising a child up to the age of 2, adopting a child up to the age of 5, raising a child up to the age of 8 by the father, she also chose.
Entitlement to disability and preventive and rehabilitation cash benefits will also be covered by the special contract, if adopted. Shalapatova made the stipulation that the special contract is not an employment contract. Experts agree that labor-legal relations would make it difficult to raise children at this stage.
Another decision by the advisory board concerns the care of children who, at the age of 18, “by the will of the law” must leave their foster family. Social Assistance Agency to offer a new type of financial assistance for them, Shalapatova also informed. On Wednesday, she expects a decision from the Social Protection Fund on the launch of a new program for the provision of one-time assistance in the amount of BGN 1,600 for those children who will come of age this year. The purpose of these funds is to help them adapt to independent life, the resigned minister pointed out.
Shalapatova outlined a trend towards an outflow from foster care. In 2021, there were 230 applications submitted by foster parents refusing to be part of the project, in 2022 there were 180, and in 2023 – 168. If the policy towards foster families does not change, we will annually lose between 150 -200 families, she commented. Shalapatova pointed out that the role of foster families is important because these people who take care of a child in need can change his fate for the better.
Shalapatova indicated that she hopes the next minister of labor and social policy will accept all the proposals and continue the change regarding foster care. I think it’s time to show that we can make bold decisions in the social system. May the next minister no longer postpone the decisions regarding the most valuable capital of Bulgaria – the children, wished the minister in resignation.
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