0000000000302870
AUTHOR
Stanley Tucker
An examination of the views of young people in the Romanian residential care system regarding their relationship with biological family members and the option of reintegration
ABSTRACTThis paper reports findings from research conducted in six Romanian residential care homes. The aim of the paper is to examine the views held by young people, currently living in residential care, about the importance of their biological families and the option and challenge of reintegration. The data reflect the ideas and perspectives of 44 young people captured through a narrative interview approach using social mapping activities. The results indicate that most children and young people know at least one birth parent and maintain contact on their own initiative; most do not place a high level of importance on such relationships which are generally characterised by lack of confide…
Challenging dominant representations of residential childcare in Romania: an exploration of the views of children and young people living in the care system
This study explores perceptions of risk commonly shared by children and young people living in care system in Romania. The original data, reported here, were gathered through direct interviews with children and young people living in public and private care. In undertaking the research, the authors wanted to challenge dominant, largely media created, representations of the care system in Romania. The aim was to explore the real risks that young people face arising out of their daily experiences. Research data were gathered using a narrative interview approach. Specific forms of risk are identified including: risks arising out of peer and staff relationships, care system policy and practice,…