..
Suche
Hinweise zum Einsatz der Google Suche
Personensuchezur unisono Personensuche
Veranstaltungssuchezur unisono Veranstaltungssuche
Katalog plus

Nuria Fuentes-Peláez & Crescencia Pastor, University of Barcelona / M. Angeles Balsells, University of Lleida

Presentation as PDF Download

Abstract:
Listen to the voice of the children in the decision making:
a challenge of the Child Protection System in Spain

The right of children to participate in decisions that affect their lives is widely recognized, but their voices are practically absent from the decision making processes of the child protection system. There are studies which confirm this fact and provide evidence of the benefits of child participation; however, little is known about how to encourage participation in this context. This qualitative study seeks to provide knowledge to bridge this gap by analyzing the perspectives of children, families, and the child care professionals involved and studying the role that children play in the decision making process, both when they are separated from their families and when they are reunited.  In total, 135 individuals have been studied: 30 children and adolescents, 42 biological parents and 63 professionals of the protection system, using in-depth interviews and discussion groups. The presentation will include more information about the interview and discussion group guide used with the children, and their analysis. The results suggest that children want to be better informed throughout the process and want to be heard. We can conclude that 1) the information provided to children and adolescents is inaccurate and incomplete in every phase of the decision making process and that understanding of the reasons behind the decision making is minimal; 2) the reason for removal and the children’s age is a modulator of participation; and 3) the participation of the children and adolescents in the reunification process contributes to its success and to its stability. The practical implications include training the professionals (skills and attitudes) and establishing mechanisms to ensure participation in the ongoing development of the case plan.