engleski

Risk and needs assessment through children's perspective

This paper is based on project „Improvement of assessment standards for children at risk/or with existing behavioural problems” conducted by Ministry of Social Policy of Republic of Croatia and UNICEF Office for Croatia. The main goal of this project is to standardize risk and needs assessment within the social welfare system, specifically in correctional institutions. The intention is to improve current approach according to contemporary international practise. One aspect of contemporary good practise is recognizing and respecting user’s perspective. According to that, aim of this paper is to describe perception of children who experienced assessment process. Basic believe is that children are “experiential experts” and can give important information that can enhance quality of practise. Through interviews and focus groups, over 30 children (both boys and girls) shared their experiences. Preliminary results shows that active participation and involvement are important to children too. Children perceive assessment as a beginning of change- change in their behaviour and in life in general. Participants state numerous positive and negative aspects of assessment process. Good relationship with professionals based on respect and flexibility children perceive as crucial. Negative perception is most often related to poor living conditions (old and inadequate buildings), boredom and rigid structure.

risk, needs, children's perspective

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