Duration: 01.05.2008 – 30.04.2011
Leading organization: Crime Prevention Fund – IGA, Foundation
Partners: Open Door Centre Association – Pleven
Source of funding: OAK Foundation, Switzerland
General aim is to reduce the number of children subject to sexual abuse and/ or exploitation through the implementation of an integrated approach for work both with children victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse.
Specific objective:
- To facilitate access to specialized services for children victims of sexual abuse or at risk of such abuse through: RMT activity, institutionalization of Reception Desk, Family Consultative Centre (FCC) for children victims of sexual abuse in the regions of Pleven, Pazardjik, Sofia and Razgrad;
- To increase the effectiveness of the process of identification, direction and rehabilitation of victims of sexual abuse or at risk of such abuse by establishing RMTs and specialized training of their members in the regions of Pleven, Pazardjik, Sofia and Razgrad in skills for active participation in this process;
- To reduce crimes and anti-social acts involving sexual abuse committed by young offenders through development and implementation of specialized programs in the regions of Pleven, Pazardjik (including inside institutions – the Correctional Boarding Schools in Rakitovo and Podem) within the specialized social service “Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration);
- To promote and multiply the project results through various activities and advocacy campaigns aimed at increasing the sensitivity of local communities, stakeholders and the media on the problems of sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Expected results:
- 1500 signals received by the Registration Desk, 1300 children and families receive consultations, support, assistance for solving problems related to sexual abuse in general, 160 children victims of sexual abuse placed in the FCC, 3 trainings implemented and 12 specialists trained to deliver services for recovery, rehabilitation and protection, employed two particular services working under clear Internal Regulations and Codex of Behavior in cases of sexual abuse, 5 monitoring visits implemented as well as total of 84 supervisions. Increased number of cases of sexual abuse of children identified, increased number of the cases managed and directed to the relevant social services, 60 % of all individuals registered recover and reintegrate successfully.
- Active RMTs in 4 regions of the country with 40 trained and sensitive to the problem members, who can identify symptoms of sexual abuse, to interview, to direct and manage cases, to cooperate and network with other organizations, institutions and professionals. Increased number of cases of sexual abuse of children identified, increased number of the cases managed and directed to the relevant social services. Active networking established on the national level.
- 20 % less juvenile victims of sexual abuse in the 4 regions, 10 % less offences containing elements of sexual abuse committed by juveniles, Active pilot specialized services for sex offenders directed by the RMTs, boarding schools and specialized institutions like the probation service, the LCPJD, the police etc. For the first time juvenile sex offenders will be subject to social services within an integral program – these services can be multiplied in probation services, boarding schools, LCPJDs.
- The model is adopted by the local authorities in the 4 regions, the model is institutionalized in accordance with the existing legislation, and there is a strong support for the model to be adopted in the national policies.
