І. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN RESIDENTIAL SOCIAL CARE Throughout 2020, one of the main focuses of attention of the Ombudsman and the NPM was the rights of children and adults in residential care through the principles of care deinstitutionalisation in the conditions of a pandemic crisis. Unfortunately, a great part of the recommendations related to the systemic problems of these vulnerable groups of persons have not been taken into account by the responsible administrative authorities and instead of being resolved, the problems are increasing and deepening. The inspections carried out in 2020 found an alarming tendency for accelerated transition of children from homes for medical and social care at the end of the year while the new social care has not been built yet. Some children are accommodated at familytype placement centres for children with disabilities, others are reintegrated, placed in foster care or adopted, while children with grave disabilities are accommodated at the four homes for medical and social care for children still working until the end of 2021. In this regard, on 18.12.2020 the Ombudsman acting as the NPM contacted the Minister of Health and the Minister of Labour and Social Policy with a recommendation to suspend temporarily the transition of children from homes for medical and social care, especially of those with grave disabilities, until the construction of the new social care, preparation of the teams and the children, and overcoming the complex epidemic situation. Critical findings Regardless of the fact that the last stage of the deinstitutionalisation process of the care for children related to the homes for medical and social care is underway, it is inadmissible to move children with grave disabilities to different institutions within short periods and in the conditions of a pandemic. Main recommendations Observe the principles of deinstitutionalisation when transitioning children and adults to alternative care, including advance preparation following an assessment of their individual needs, while the admitting institutions need to be ready and familiar with their individual needs. An NPM team carried out surprise inspections at the Homes for Medical and Social Care for Children in Pleven and Stara Zagora. 9