These teenagers are rocking rhythmically to and fro, a sign of neglect and institutionalization. The girl lying in her friend's lap was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but was never taught to walk. Her limbs are wasted, and the skin on her arms is bruised. Dzhurkovo social care home, Laki, Bulgaria, June 2006.

The woman in the striped sweater danced as if there was music when there was none. Seconds after this photograph was taken, she punched the young man who was sitting on the floor. The benches in this day room for so-called "severe cases" offer the only seating to the teenagers at Dzhurkovo. The inmates would sit huddled on the benches, rocking themselves to and fro. Despite the sunshine beaming through the windows, the inmates did not go outside all day. Dzhurkovo, near Laki, Bulgaria, June 2006.

This young boy from Petrovo had been scratching at his neck repeatedly, creating a large red wound. He had been salivating on his hands, which he bit with some ferocity. The dull expression in his eyes suggests that he may be drugged (Diazepam is the only medication used for children at Petrovo), and he could not speak. Petrovo, near Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, June 2006.

I have chosen to re-post these photographs to emphasize the the suffering and neglect of institutionalized children and young adults throughout Bulgaria. The documentary Bulgaria's Abandoned Children eloquently depicted the human rights violations at Mogilino, but there are children and young adults elsewhere in Bulgaria who desperately need rehabilitation, health-care, and education. Most of all, however, there must be an urgent deinstitutionalization process in Bulgaria.

Every minute of delay is another minute of abuse.