For the last 7 years, Bulgarian COFACE member Tulip Foundation has run its Sure Start programme. The Sure Start programme operates in family community centres and aims to support the development of families with young children’s parenting skills, from birth until preschool.
The programme is implemented with the support of local partners across different municipalities. One of the key topics is sexual abuse, and the focus is on raising parents’ and children’s awareness of child sexual abuse and its various forms. Special attention is also paid to the risks online.
As part of the programme Tulip Foundation has funded and disseminated a few series of books entitled: “My personal body – respect and self-respect” – including “My personal body” and “Every child has the right to be touched with love” – and “Talk with the child, give them strength!”, which includes 6 books for children aged 3-7 years, 7-13 years and young people over 14 years and their trusted adults (parents, close family members and professionals). Both series are developed by specialists in the field: PULS Foundation and Right to Childhood Foundation.
Local teams are supported with the necessary training in how to use the books. It is an essential part of the approach to prevent child sexual abuse by providing age-appropriate sexual health education for children at different ages with the involvement of their parents and/or trusted adults. Initial prevention on family and community level is best for children and young people.
You can find out more about the programme and Tulip Foundation’s work here.
Tulip Foundation were also present in COFACE and Step by Step’s recent study seminar on Child Sexual Abuse, hosted in Zagreb. You can read more about the event here.
