Ending Institutionalisation: An analysis of the financing of the deinstitutionalisation process in Bulgaria

The 2015 report looks at the strategy and finances required to work towards deinstitutionalisation in Bulgaria. The financing of the reform is in itself complex, as it involves budgets from a variety of government ministries and local authorities, as well as funding from external donors, such as the European Commission and NGOs. It can therefore be challenging to ‘follow the money’ to ascertain whether the process represents an efficient use of finances and is sustainable for the future. This document attempts to present such an analysis, using available financial data.

The report demonstrates the complex issue of deinstitutionalisation and provides primary research on institutional care in Bulgaria. Research topics include the current situation of institutionalised children in Bulgaria, progress of reform, financial analysis and the outcomes of the reform process. The report also provides both conclusions and recommendations.

It is hoped this will be of use to:

• The Bulgarian Government in assessing progress of the reform and planning future initiatives
• The European Commission in assessing how far the reform represents a good return on investment and is in line with the applicable ex-ante conditionalities1 and their associated code of conduct
• Other actors involved in the reform process in Bulgaria.