Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hallsy - I am aware that this forum is a medium of free speech and everyone is entitled to their opinion regardless of the tenure but the last thing we need now is negative, destructive comments. If you do not feel that you can join those who are doing what they can to help these children and young people may I suggest that you, Trevor and anyone else for that matter either keep schtum or keep your opinions to yourself. I have been very close to this particular problem for some time now and by spending time with these young people, to turn my head and ignore it is an absolute impossibility.

Alternatively, if you have any knowledge of services which may be able to give us assistance we so desperately need then we would welcome your comments. Sometimes, it is not so much a case of how much money you throw at a problem but more about going that extra mile to do what you can to find the solution. You should know that many of the people on this forum have helped the Orphanage Team of their own volition, giving hours of their time to try and make things happen, to improve conditions and give these young people a better quality of life.

Andie (for the Team)

I have carefully read through all the comments made with reference to this thread, Trevor and Hallsy did make a couple of valid points in which we need to take on board. In Trevor’s defence I can only assume that he was unaware of the full history surrounding this institute and based his assumption on lack of knowledge and back ground. I would like to pick up on one point if I may. Once these children become adults at the age of 18, this is the age in which they are deemed as adults and as such this institute is not for the purpose of caring for persons over this age. We have to accept and understand that it is at this age that it is indeed time to move on.

Slavcho is unable to care for himself he suffers from severe autism, none of the children have been prepared for life after care and have not got the life skills in which to have a normal life in fending for themselves. If we were to compare this with the UK as Trevor did, at the age of 18 when young adults leave the care system they have a leaving care team which takes care and supports the need of the children until 21 this can be increased if the adult puts a good case forward of need. A leaving care grant is available to help furnish a home from 18, suitable accommodation is sourced and help if they need it to gain employment or further education. In Bulgaria we do not have this system, therefore there is a huge difference. If Slavcho were fortunate enough to be born in the UK he could have all the help and assistance of the authorities and be well taken care of.

Albert suffers from severe Epilepsy and autism to a lesser degree than Slavcho, he refuses to take medication for his epilepsy, this is why he left without it.

The point that I have not obviously not established clearly enough is that a plan for leaving this institute needs to be incorporated followed by a needs assessment of each individual, risk assessment, housing needs and a basic supply of furnishings, a small leaving care grant and last but by no means least, leaving care support to help with employment, paying bills etc.

Whilst in care it is imperative that these children be taught life skills in-order to cope with life after the institution.

Please don’t think that I am taking sides here, this is an open forum and everyone should be entitled to their opinion, whether it be politely correct or not. There is and will be only one side I take and that is with the interest of the child or young adult.

Hi Lizaloveit,

thank you for your support and understand. Comparables between the two countries are so different. To a large degree the education system alone in the UK teaches life skills, many others are past on by parents. These children in this institute do not have the benefit of being raised by their parents and the education system does not teach the life skills to cope with life after the institution. A further important factor is that there are further issues with being raised in an institution to deal with, there are proven statistics that clearly show the emotional problems which arise from being raised in an institutionalised environment. There is no counselling for these children either. These children have little to look forward too. Where are the basic human rights? I have not seen any implemented. When Bulgaria was a communist country, directors could not extort monies out of the system, this is not true today. Change will happen and it has started. I and many others are simply frustrated at the pace in which change is happening.