The NPM has repeatedly stated that the main factor for the provision of a quality social service is the human factor. Taking care of children and adults accommodated in institutions and services in the community is a difficult and responsible task which is entrusted to employees who work with them on a daily basis. That is why these employees should be supported by the government and municipalities. Residential social services for children In 2019, the NPM inspected residential social services in Lovech Municipality. Four institutions were visited. 1. Family-type placement centres for children and adolescents without disabilities (FTPCCAWD) “Lale” and “Zdravets” in Lovech The family-type placement centres for children and adolescents without disabilities “Lale” and “Zdravets” are residential community-based social services which provide an environment close to the family one to children and adolescents aged from 3 to 18. The capacity of FTPCCAWD “Lale” is 12 children and the capacity of “Zdravets” is 10 children and at the date of the inspection the capacity was used to the fullest. The centres are located in old buildings. The facilities are dilapidated, the children use five toilets and two bathrooms. The laminate in the premises is old and needs replacement, the walls in all premises need painting, and the exterior façade of FTACCAWD “Lale” needs repair, too. The managers of the social service have repeatedly submitted requests for repair to the provider, the Mayor of Lovech Municipality, but as of the date of the inspection no funds had been allocated. The children attend different schools in the city of Lovech – Vocational Secondary School of Veterinary Medicine, Vocational Secondary School of Economics, Trade and Services. Also, the children use social services in the community – the Centre for Community Support, whenever necessary. Annually the social service users are subject to medical and dental examinations. Two of the children suffer from epilepsy and have regular checks by a neurologist. The managers of the Centres are highly qualified and undergo periodic trainings for work with children. The NPM was informed of the individual positions at the Centres and established that there was no vacancies. In 2019, the employees underwent trainings for work with aggressive children. Group and individual supervision is conducted on a quarterly basis. The main problem identified during the NPM inspections of these social institutions for children is the low pay of the staff. Although the NPM recommended the salaries of all employees to be increased, in 2020 the caregivers will receive minimum wages: BGN 650 for the social worker, BGN 680 for the pedagogue, and BGN 650 for the nurse. The NPM checked the weekly menu of the children and found that it is diverse and complies with the requirements of Standard 9 to Appendix No. 3 of Article 48 of the Ordinance on the criteria and standards for social services for children. Of all placed children, only one is recorded in the register for adoption. Two of the children have stayed in the home for more than 11 years. The NPM has repeatedly stated that the long stay of children at institutions directly infringes their rights. This causes not only psychological traumas to children but also deprives them of the possibility to be in family environment. In this connection the NPM calls upon the Child Protection Department with the Social Assistance Directorate in Lovech to prepare and submit to the Ombudsman a report on every child placed in the family-type placement centres for children and adolescents without disabilities “Lale” and “Zdravets” in the city of Lovech, stating what measures have been already taken and what measures need be taken to shorten the stay of the children in the Centres. 39