When the child's welfare and safety are endangered, child protection measures must be undertaken at the place where he child is irrespective of the child's nationality. In order to be able to decide in the best interest of the child, it is necessary in many cases to obtain or to provide information about the case history, family members or about the situation in the country of destination.

On 18 January 2006, the Bulgarian Parliament ratified the 1996 Hague Convention in respect of parental responsibility and measures for the protection of children.

The Convention is in force for Bulgaria from 1 February 2007.

For instance:

1. A family from the United Kingdom together with their four children moves to live in Bulgaria. International Social Service – Bulgaria is informed by the International Social Service – United Kingdom that this family is trying to escape court proceedings initiated by the local authorities, which argue that the children should enter into care. Because of this situation, the International Social Service – United Kingdom has requested a social investigation and a social report from the respective Child Protection Department in Bulgaria regarding the children safety and security. If necessary, child protection measures to be undertaken.
2. A boy who is 14, Bulgarian citizen, has lived with his father who is also Bulgarian citizen, in the USA during his whole life. They come back to Bulgaria and the father files and application before the Child Protection Department asking for placement of the boy in a specialised institution as he is not able anymore 'to cope with the boy'.

How International Social Service - Bulgaria can help

• By providing information related to the protection of children by the child protection bodies in Bulgaria or those abroad.
• By providing consultancy before a planned relocation of a child from one country to another.
• By providing support and help with respect to the assessment of the child's situation.
• By providing social reports to the court which serve as the basis for the decision-making.