Data from a national representative survey by the “Trend“ agency, conducted in the period May 12-18, 2025 among 1001 adult citizens. The survey was commissioned by the National Association for Foster Care and was conducted within the framework of the project “Young Independents: how is it possible“, funded by the Bulgarian Foundation for Women and the EU.
A total of 85% of respondents define foster care as important for Bulgarian society. The data show clear public support for the idea that children deprived of parental care should grow up in a family, not an institutional environment.
75% of people say they would approve of a relative or acquaintance becoming a foster parent, while only 10% would not approve. This shows a high degree of public acceptance of the concept of foster parenthood. Women (81%) are more likely to approve of such a step compared to men (70%).
Over three-quarters (76%) of Bulgarians express the opinion that foster care is a better alternative to institutional care. Support is higher than average among women and those with higher education.
Over two-thirds (67%) of people believe that foster care provides children with a safe and supportive environment. Only 13% disagree with this statement. The youngest and those living in the capital remain a bit more reserved than average. This is also due to lower familiarity with the topic.
The most serious challenges facing foster care in Bulgaria are: insufficient financial support (25%), lack of information (25%) and bureaucratic procedures (23%).
85% of Bulgarians say they would not mind their child interacting with a child from a foster family. Only 6% would be against it. These data show a high degree of public tolerance and continuity towards children in foster care, which is an encouraging sign of a change in social attitudes.
42% stated that they would accept their children to be raised by foster parents if they themselves or their relatives could not take on the care.
A targeted national strategy is needed to address the three most significant deficits of foster care in the Bulgarian context - information, trust and financial sustainability. Without them, support will remain at the level of declaration, not real participation. Foster care should not be left as a “last resort”, but should be established as a professionally recognized, socially supported and institutionally secured social service of public interest.