Anthropological Researches and Studies (Apr 2014)
Social policy for the protection of children in difficulty
Abstract
Objectives. The main goal of the research was to highlight some aspects concerning the reforming elements in the protection system of the child in difficulty. A series of different indicators was considered: protection assured in the specific institutions, protection assured through alternative issues, such as new families protections, support for families in difficulty, intervention of the professionals in the protection of children, promotion and respect of children rights, prevention and reduction of the number of institutionalized children. Material and Methods. Several methods were used within the research: documentation regarding the protection of child; case studies; semi-structured interviews, questionnaires. The research was developed in Craiova, regarding the public perception of protection strategy concerning the child in difficulty. The research consisted in the application of a questionnaire to a number of 140 people working in different public sectors. Results. The reform was considered incipient by 17% of the NGOs respondents, 25 % of the mass media professionals, 12% of the public administration employees, and 14 % of those working within Child Protection Services in Craiova. The positive change regarding the intervention of professionals into the child protection was acknowledged by 44% of the NGOs members, 29% of the mass media professionals, 56% of the public administration servants and 42% of the functionaries operating within Child Protection Services in Craiova. Many other items will be analyzed on categories. Conclusions. Although the reform is not closed yet, the interviewed people appreciate positively most of the aspects presented in the questionnaires. In general, there is a positive image at the level of opinion leaders. Looking to the child protection system, big steps were being made since 1989 in the direction of improving it.
