Experiences of Exclusion in Children in Institutions

Abstract

Institutionalization is seen as a developmental risk factor, which, strengths the social stigma and exclusion that institutionalized children already face. The aims of this study was to investigate how the condition of being under care permeates the experiences and relationships of institutionalized children, from their own perspective and that of the professionals of the foster institution. The participants of this study were two girls and two boys, 10 to 13 years-old, attending the same institution, its coordinator and pedagogue. Semi-structured interviews were realized with all participants and some narratives produced by children on proposed themes. Some episodes which emphasize aspects of children’s relationship at school have been selected and analyzed. Children described their interactions at school as conflictive and often violent. Professionals of the foster institution related those facts to their condition of being under care, pointing to attitudes of prejudice and exclusion. Those results emphasize the discourse that positions institutionalized children as unsuccessful people, stimulating the social exclusion that they are victims. It also suggests that the school is being unsuccessful as an inclusive institution.

Keywords

• foster institution
• school
• interaction
• exclusion
• foster children