engleski

Factors that Contribute and Prevent the Institutionalization of Children with Disabilities

The aim of the qualitative study is understanding of the circumstances that, contributed or prevented the placement of children with disabilities in institutions, from the perspective of social workers who worked with children with disabilities and their families (N=19). Thematic analysis was chosen as method for processing, analysing and interpreting data. The research was descriptive, and the research process inductive. Both the interpretation and the conclusions of the analysis were subjected to the process of triangulation involving agreement of at least three researchers on the relevant research results. Research participants confirmed that the placement of children with disabilities in institutions resulted from a number of circumstances involving parents, children and families, as well as inadequate development of alternative forms of welfare services for children. On the other hand, the circumstances which prevented the institutionalization of children involved the availability of services for children with disabilities in local communities and social welfare rights, the implementation of legal instruments for family protection, the expansion of alternative welfare services for children with disabilities, as well as the reform of the child welfare system. Results of this research study may serve as encouragement for monitoring of the deinstitutionalisation process involving children with disabilities and increase in availability of services for children and families in local communities for the purpose of preventing the removal of children from home.

Prevention, Institutionalization, Children with Disabilities

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