implementation of social policies is extremely important for the realization of the process of deinstitutionalization. Deinstitutionalization In 2010 the Council of Ministers adopted the National Strategy „Vision for deinstitutionalization of children in Bulgaria” and the Action Plan for its implementation. The priorities set out in the Action Plan are related to that first from the institutions to be taken away children with disabilities and children from 0 to 3 years. The NPM team thoroughly has examined the project „Childhood for all” responsible for implementation of the process of de-institutionalization of children with disabilities. The project objective is to put an end to the current practice children with disabilities to be placed in homes that are far from large cities and that can not provide quality care to children with disabilities. It is envisaged that by 2014 „to close the current homes for children with disabilities and to build 149 new family-type centres, 37 day-care centres for children with disabilities and 34 new centres for social rehabilitation and integration where children will be able to spend an active day, to communicate with people, to be provided with advanced health care and education. And the most important is that they will be in large settlements with access to quality health care and education. Unlike the current situation - children with disabilities are „hidden” in homes in small villages, away from people and specialists, who they need” (quotation from the presentation of the project on the website of the State Agency for Child Protection). The NPM has noticed several facts related to the implementation of the project: First, the National map of residential and support services for children with disabilities relies on the construction of the first day-care centre for children with disabilities (37 are envisaged to be built) and eight centres for social rehabilitation and integration (34 are foreseen). According to the NPM family type centres can not be built and children can not be placed there without the appropriate supporting social service. This is contrary to the objectives of the programme, namely the access of these children to better quality care. The second big problem is that some of the family type accommodation centres and protected housing will be built in 19 rural communities. As an example may be mentioned the selected municipalities of the cities of Kula and Belogradchik. It is fact that they are part of the poorest and most depopulated area of the European Union - Vidin. The lack of specialists, social and road infrastructure in these municipalities increases the risk of violating the rights of children with disabilities. The NPM will continue to explore the process of deinstitutionalization. But this look will be directed not on the policy of the state in this area, but will address the rights of children and shall protect them. As a preventive mechanism the Ombudsman's main function is to act as a „watchdog” – watcher, guardian of human rights, and to take action, even when these rights are threatened. Therefore the Ombudsman as a NPM will assist in more general terms for creation of appropriate social and institutional environment for identification and resolution of problems related to the process of deinstitutionalization. 33 Annual Report of the National Preventive Mechanism | OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA