Young people leaving alternative care are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking, experts warned on Wednesday at a conference marking European Anti-Trafficking Day, observed on October 18. The conference, titled “Young People Leaving Alternative Care – Vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking”, was held at the St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia.
A report presented at the event said the abrupt reduction or end of institutional support upon reaching adulthood often coincides with the absence of a stable family environment, limited social networks, financial insecurity and insufficient skills for independent living.
In the first months after leaving care, young people are often under strong pressure to secure both income and housing without stable support. This can make them more likely to accept informal or high-risk job offers, frequently without an employment contract and under unclear conditions, the report said.
Although human trafficking is recognized as a serious social problem in national policies and strategies, young people leaving alternative care are rarely explicitly identified as a specific risk group, the experts noted.
The report also found that people facilitating exploitation are often already part of the young person’s social circle. A common route into trafficking involves building an emotional relationship that gradually becomes a means of control.
Dignita Foundation Executive Director Kamelia Dimitrova said people seeking to draw young people into exploitation often first establish a close relationship with them and offer support or assistance during a difficult period.
Daniela Saveklieva, Secretary of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, said the transition to independent living is difficult for any young person but can be much more abrupt for those leaving alternative care, who often have far fewer sources of support. “Exploitation does not always begin with a threat or violence. Sometimes it starts with what appears to be a good opportunity – a job offer, promises of a better life, financial assistance or attention from someone who seems interested in and willing to support the young person,” she said.
Data cited in the report show that Bulgaria has 144 family-type accommodation centres for children without disabilities, with a total capacity of 1,677 places. There are also seven centres for children with disabilities with 93 places, 106 centres for children and young people with disabilities with a capacity of 1,422, and nine centres for children and young people with disabilities requiring continuous medical care, with 73 places.
In addition, 23 transitional homes for children have a combined capacity of 182 places, while 23 supervised homes for young people aged 18 to 25 have 112 places.
Dignita Foundation and Sofia University are also working together on a mentoring programme aimed at supporting young people leaving alternative care while giving Social Work students practical experience.
Prof. Vanya Bozhilova, Dean of Sofia University’s Faculty of Pedagogy, said the programme allows students to provide practical support to young people while developing professional skills.
Sofia University Vice Rector Prof. Sonia Mileva said the university serves as a place for discussion, exchange of ideas and implementation of initiatives addressing social problems. Mentors participating in the programme also shared their experience working with young people from alternative care.
European Anti-Trafficking Day Highlights Risks Facing Young People Leaving Alternative Care 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-14 10:36:00
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