| Popis: |
Although the participation of children and young people in the alternative care system is very clearly regulated by law, evidence from practice shows that it is often inadequate and mostly declarative. The purpose of this qualitative research is to gain insight into participation of children and young users of alternative care, users of social services within the social care system in the Republic of Croatia. The study included total of 23 children and young people in half-day care, in foster care and beneficiers of institutional treatment. The methods used were content analysis (documentation), interviews, and focus groups. Findings show that children in alternative care are vulnerable and distrustful about the system and adults because they receive little information about services and have limited opportunities to participate. Children and young people still recognize some positive aspects and encouragement for participation. As the most important motivator they point out the respectful and high quality relationship between them and professionals. It is also noticeable that children's participation differs in two main aspects: the type of service (program) and the level of risk (whether children have behavioral problems or not). The higher the children's risk level and the more structured (institutional) the types of care they are in, the lower, more declarative and limited their participation. In relation to the different forms of alternative care, it is noticeable that children in foster care have the highest level of participation. Children's need to strengthen their collective participation, as a group of children in the alternative care, is also visible. Based on the findings, the main recommendations for strengthening children's participation in this system will be presented. |
