Project “Safe Home - a step towards my new life”

Scheme for providing grants: BG051PO001-5.2.03 "For a better children’s future",Contract grants: BG 051PO001-5.2.03-0040-C0001 This information item was created with financial support from the Operational Program "Human Resources Development", financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund. Full responsibility for its contents lies with the Fund for Crime Prevention - IGA and under no circumstances can be taken as reflecting the official opinion of the European Union and the Contracting Authority.

Information Day presents the results of a social project

Information seminar within the project "Safe Home - a step towards my new life” was held on November 17 in the conference hall of hotel Seven Hills - Plovdiv. Within the event were presented the results of the project, and ways to implement the model in other relevant institutions.
The project is in realized in the period 01.10.2009 - 01.12. 2010 by Fund for Crime Prevention - IGA, in partnership with Plovdiv Municipality, Home for Children Deprived of Parental Care "Rada Kirkovich,” Plovdiv, and the Centre for Training and Services. The project is funded by the European Social Fund Operational Programme Human Resources Development 2007-2013. The main objective was to improve the quality of life of the children and the young people living in or leaving HCDPC “Rada Kirkovich,” Plovdiv, by restructuring the institution and achieve qualitative changes in its activity. Apart from the project’s results, the program of the seminar included: presentation of the model for the assessment of children in specialized institutions; activity of CSRI and the Observed Home at HCDPC "Rada Kirkovich; the additional educational training of children as part of the provision of social CSRI service and more.
Participants were representatives of institutions, HCDPC, the municipalities of Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, Bratsigovo Kalofer and Maritza, who could implement the model or where necessary to direct clients to existing services.

A TV discussion presented the results of project “Safe House”

The 2nd TV discussion of the project happened on 12th October during the evening program of BNT – Plovdiv. Participants in the TV show were Maria Pencheva (Director of CSRI and Observed Housing – HCDPC “Rada Kirkovich”), Anelia Derneva (Director of CSRICR), Maia Grozdanova (Head of Social Services, Plovdiv – Project partners) and Eli Atanasova (Director of school “K.Velichkov”, Plovdiv) whose teachers implemented additional educational training for 15 children from HCDPC "Rada Kirkovich.” The manager of the CSRI and “Observed Housing” Maria Pencheva presented in detail the realized activities during the past period at the “Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration,” as well the problems faced by users of social service “Observed Housing” in their transition to independent living. The director of “K. Velichkov” School told about the realization of the additional educational training. She shared experiences of involved teachers in the process and confidence in the need to conduct it. No less interesting were the impressions of the manageress of “CSRICR” - Anelia Derneva the evaluation process of all children in HCDPC, which started the project in late 2009. Six months later both social services were established. The prior assessments largely facilitated and optimized the performance of the team providing social services. In the final Maya Grozdanova commented the steps taken by Municipality of Plovdiv, to ensure sustainability of the project and especially the expected approval of both services as activities delegated by the state.

Additional educational training for children

The educational process in CSRI, HCDPC"Rada Kirkovich – Plovdiv, has continued more than two months. It is implemented within the program for further educational training under the Project "Safe House - a step towards my new life." The program is led by qualified teachers from the school “Konstantin Velichkov”, Plovdiv. Based on the individual activities assessments were identified 15 children from the targeted group, from second to sixth grade. Qualified teachers worked on individual plans with every child, assigned to participate in the program, on subjects included in the curriculum - Bulgarian language, mathematics, man and nature, history, geography and more. The aim of the program was to overcome the educational gaps, cope with school subjects and school dropout prevention. The program was placed within the total of 500 hours.
The children have passed and the relevant entry and exit tests to establish their educational progress.

Second training for the team of CSRI and Observed Housing

The second training of the team of CSRI and Observed Housing in the HCDPC “Rada Kirkovich”, Plovdiv, was held between 25th and 28th of August in hotel “Rodopski Dom”, Chepelare.
The training is continuation of the practical modular training of the social workers team aimed at enhancing the professional knowledge and practical skills for the specific group of children raised in institutions and their families.
The workshop familiarized staff with best practices for working with children at risk in Bulgaria and in other countries, and with the different types of social services for children and families.
The efforts of the speakers were aimed at increasing the knowledge of psychological characteristics in the development and behavior of children with special needs - learning difficulties, children with mental retardation due to social neglect, and hyperactive children with addictions, optimizing the practical approaches of staff working with children accommodated in the “Observed Housing” and formation of new skills in the social workers to consult on social and psychological problems of children and their families. Particular emphasis in the training was increasing the skills for the implementation of group psycho-social programs for the specific group of users of CSRI and “Observed Housing.” In the study were included role plays and practical sessions discussing specific cases, which met participants desire for more practical training.

Training the staff of HCDPC

From 23 to 26 of June in Hotel “Rodopski Home” – Chepelare, was held a seminar for employees of HCDPC "Kirkovich Rada, according to previously identified needs for additional training. The workshop was with practical focus and based on interactive teaching methods.
Main objectives of the training were to familiarize the staff with practices of providing social services for children and care planning implemented in our country, to increase their knowledge of current legislation in Bulgaria in the field of child care, to learn good practices of social services applied in other countries, increase their psychological knowledge and practical skills for more effective work with children at the Home, and to optimize the staff approaches to children with problematic behavior and special features - children with deviant behavior, drug addicts and children with mental abnormalities.
Within the seminar, speakers used different teaching methods: the method of "learning by doing and experience” with the use of role plays, discussions in small and large groups, simulation of situations and brief theoretical presentations.
Another important topic of the training team HCDPC "Rada Kirkovich was the current legislation in order to provide social services for children in our country. At the participants in the training were presented three educational films that illustrate the possibility of real restructuring of institutions for children, by turning them into places that provide various social services. In the practical sessions, in small and large groups were discussed topics about principles and values of social work and standards of service “Observed Housing” and other social services that are to be developed and provided to users at the Home.
Participants were familiarized with various approaches to consultation and psycho-social work with children and in particular the principles, methods and techniques in counseling.
Discussed were and specific case studies from the practice of educators from HCDPC "Rada Kirkovich.

Television discussion promotes project “Safe Home”

In early June, the show "Evening Magazine” on BNT – Plovdiv have broadcasted a TV discussion which aimed the popularization on the aims and activities of "Safe Home - step to my new life” project. In the discussion took part Dimitar Rusinov (project manager), Maya Grozdanova (Head of Social Services in Municipality of Plovdiv - a project partner) and Maria Pencheva (Governor CSRI and observed housing). In prime evening transmission in Plovdiv, the discussion participants have explained how this interesting and beneficial project is being realized, about problems and successes, what is the place of the social services CSRI and Observed Housing among others in the city of Plovdiv, what is new and different, what activities are included, and for which consumers the services are, as well what is their future after the project.
Preliminary record made in HCDPC "Kirkovich Rada," showed viewers the daily life of the young and ambitious CSRI team and the very Observed House that by April 1 is home to two young people having already reached adulthood.
Photo: Moment of TV recording CSRI

"The train on June 1"

On the occasion of June 1 - Child's Day, in the Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration at DDLRG "Rada Kirkovich – Plovdiv, was opened the first exhibition of alumni of the House. There were shown 17 works, as the youngest participant in the exhibition is 11 years old. On their holiday, the children painted their favourite pursuits and dreams about how to spend their free time.
The guests at the exhibition were impressed by the children’s desire to travel and live in a beautiful environment. Most visitors attracted the painting "The train on 1 June.”
Every participant in the exhibition was awarded with Diploma "Young Artist" for original painting. Impressed by the skills of young artists, the guests expressed their wish to see other similar exhibitions.

 CSRI and Observed Home are already working!

As on April 7 officially were opened “Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration” and Observed Home in DDLRG "Rada Kirkovich” - Plovdiv, the very same month 11 children from the House have been already targeted for social services in CSRI. For each child, the team is preparing an individual assessment of needs and is creating a plan for the required services, in order to help coping with risk factors. Every individual plan includes activities for creating and developing of the skills and cognitive abilities of the child, information and consultation, building support networks, prevention of school dropouts, etc. In Observed Home are housed two young people leaving DDLRG "Rada Kirkovich” and need professional assistance in the transition to independent life.
To achieve the objectives of the service, for each individual user has been drawn a plan for a full and independent lifestyle, which includes: creation of social and personal skills, psychological and social counselling; motivation correct professional choice, recruitment and advocacy; understanding of free time; etc.

First team training for CSRI - Plovdiv

From 10-13 April, “Rhodopi Home Hotel” - Chepelare held training seminars for staff of the CSRI and Observed Home located in HCDPC "Rada Kirkovich - Plovdiv. Both social services were officially launched on April 7 this month under the project “Safe House - a new step for my life” of Fund - IGA. This is the first of two four-day seminars provided under the project. The second will be held in late summer.
The aim of the training was to increase knowledge and skills of professionals to implement the new methodology in social work with children and families by deepening their knowledge and skills. The training went into two main modules. The first participants were introduced to teamwork: Teamwork - philosophy and principles of teamwork, formulation of individual and group goals. The second focused on social work: Social services for children and care planning. As speakers were invited experts and practitioners in the field of social theory and practice and an expert psychologist who introduced them to different approaches in consultation and psycho-social work with children, methods for conducting an interview with clients, working with its family, etc. Within the training set were held and discussions, practical exercises, role plays, role-playing cases.
The project is implemented with financial support from the Operational Programme "Human Resources Development", co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund.

Fund – IGA officially opened Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CRSI) and Observed Home in Plovdiv

(April 7) Today in the building of the Home for Children Deprived of Parental Care (HCDPC) “Rada Kirkovich” - Plovdiv, Fund - IGA and the Municipality of Plovdiv, jointly with HCDPC "Rada Kirkovich” and “Center for Training and Services,” have officially opened Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CRSI) and Observed Home.
The Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration is a complex of social services conducting rehabilitation, socio-legal consulting, educational and vocational training and guidance, preparation and implementation of individual programs for social inclusion. Its capacity is 50 children.
Observed Housing is designed for 8 young men and women of full age who leave an institution. With the opening aims the creation of conditions that support the effective protection and social integration of the users of this social service.
At the end of March was a competition for recruitment of CSRI and Observed Home. A team including governor, two psychologists, six social workers and one lawyer has been already formed. Within the period 10th to 13th April it will pass its first vocational training.
The event is part of project “Safe House - a new step for my life,” which is funded by the European Social Fund, Operational Programme "Human Resources Development" 2007-2013, the scheme for providing grants: BG051PO001-5.2. 03 "For a better future for the children.”

The CSRI and Observed Home staff appointed

The competition for the available job positions in the CSRI and the Observed Home was completed. A total of 30 applicants participated.
Commission established by order of the Head of Fund - IGA, comprising Dimitar Rusinov, project manager - Chairman of the Commission, Maya Grozdanova, project coordinator for the Municipality of Plovdiv - a commission member and Anelia Kirova - Director DDLRG "Rada Kirkovich", partner in the project - a commission member, made an initial selection of papers and allowed to interview all candidates, except one who had no proper education. The interviews took place on 22 March and continued throughout the day. The team, consisting of a manager, two psychologists, six social workers and one lawyer has already formed and began work on 1 April. 10 to April 13 they will pass their first specialized professional training.
On 7 April at 11.00 am representatives of the Municipality of Plovdiv and the leading organization in the project - Fund - IGA, will officially open CSRI and the Observed Home. Invited to participate are representatives of institutions and homes for children from Plovdiv.
From 1 April in the first two clients will be accommodated in the Observed Home.

 CSRI and Monitored Housing are opening doors in a month

The renovations within the premises of CCDPC "Rada Kirkovich – Plovdiv are in their end, where would be presented the CSRI and Monitored Housing services. CSRI would be built within the main building premises. There would be distinguished three cabinets – office for the manager, social workers’ working cabinet and a group work cabinet. In a few days will start and the team selection for CSRI. It will be consisted by a governor, two psychologists, six social workers and a lawyer.
In parallel with the CSRI construction the "Observed Housing” service is being implemented. In order to ensure full and independent lifestyle, close to family like environment, a separate apartment has been allocated. The apartment has its own, separate from the main building, entrance and has been renovated and now is being furnished and equipped. The observed residence will have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and living room, with all necessary equipment. There would be conditions for support, protection and social inclusion of the users of the social service - a total of 8 numbers of boys and girls over 18 years of age. The apartment will be managed and serviced by the CSRI team.
The social service will be provided in accordance with the required methodology and would be under the supervision of Fund - IGA and CES experts, within the project "Safe Home - a new step for my life."

The CCDPC “Rada Kirkovich’s”, Plovdiv, children and staff needs are being assessed

In order to create a clearer picture on the individual children needs in CCDPC "Rada Kirkovich, as the staff’s training needs, in last year’s October has began their identification and assessment. The activity will continue throughout this year, 2010, and will finish at the end of March. The assessment is placed by qualified experts, which are using individual approach in order to draw a detailed social assessment of every child. In addition to the standard methodology for assessment, this one is also based on several other instruments.
So far there are 26 completed evaluations and another 14 would be completed by the end of January. On the evaluation bases would be created an individual plan for every case.
Simultaneously with the children’s assessment, was launched the evaluation of the CCDPC’s 31-members staff training needs. In connection was developed a model which evaluates the existing professional capacity, resources and needs, and additional need for staff training. The previously selected experts have developed surveys, questionnaires, schemes and design of interviews for the creation of focus groups. In December last year were conducted 10 interviews with 10 professionals and the first focus group. The evaluation continues and would complete with the preparation of a detailed training program. Activities are implemented within the Project “Safe Home - a step towards my new life,” with the financial support from the Operational Program "Human Resources Development", financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund.

The repair of the premises in CCDPC

In April next year, under the Project “Safe Home - a step towards my new life” in CCDPC "Rada Kirkovich – Plovdiv, will start the implementation of the social services “Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration" (CSRI) and “Observed Housing”. For this purpose, already provided by CCDPC facilities are being repaired. CSRI would be built within the main building premises. There would be distinguished three cabinets – office for the manager, social workers’ working cabinet and a group work cabinet. Immediately after the repairs the cabinets would be furnished and equipped.
In order to ensure full and independent lifestyle in suitable environment, close to family like, the observed household would be fully refurbished and equipped private apartment. It will have 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and living room, all with the necessary equipment.
The repair funds were provided by the Municipality of Plovdiv and donors.

“Rada Kirkovich” center began the children and personnel evaluation process

After the four working meetings, the project team with experts in the social sphere, developed methodology for conducting individual social assessment of the children in the Center for Children Deprived of Parental Care (CCDPC) "Rada Kirkovich”. There was also prepared a model as a guiding tool to perform the assessment of the center’s staff training needs.
There were chosen the premises in which would be created observed lodgings. Currently those premises, which are located within the CCDPC “Rada Kirkovich” boundary, are being repaired.
The actual social evaluation of children has started in November 2009 and will continue up to March 2010. At the same time, experts are evaluating the staff needs for training. The implementation of the both social services, “Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration"and "Observed Lodging”, will begin in April.

Workshop on project for children deprived of parental care launched in Plovdiv

The third workshop on project “ Safe home – step to my new life” launched yesterday at the Center for children deprived of parental care. The project team was joined by Krasimir Angelov – Vice Mayor of Plovdiv Municipality. Organizational, administrative and expert issues were discussed: the schedule of activities, the training and provision of social services; identification and allocation the rooms for building CSRI and a superintended place within the complex DDLRG «Rada Kirkovich»; the conduction of tender procedures and the preparation of a tender documentation; the procedures for a team selection to provide the social services;the methodology and documentation of the system for internal monitoring and evaluation and etc. The project starts at the beginning of the month. Fund IGA is a leading organization, its partners are - Municipality of Plovdiv, Center for children , deprived of parental care „Rada Kirkovich” - Plovdiv and Association ‘’Center for training and services’’.
The main purpose of the project is to improve the qualuty of life of children , placed in or leaving DDLRG „Rada Kirkovich” - Plovdiv by restructuring the institution and achieving qualitative changes in its activity.
The project is funded by the European Social Fund, Operative program “Development of human resources” 2007-2013.