Desafios à (des)institucionalização de crianças e jovens
: processos de autonomização e pós-acolhimento

  • Daniela Teixeira Pereira (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

This work’s main goal is to analyze how institutions that shelter troubled children and teenagers are preparing them for an autonomous and independent adult life, relating this process with the existing legal mechanisms and social benefits for the young adults that abandon the institution, usually at ages between 18 and 21. For this analysis and consequent comprehension of the reality these young adults are subjected to, it’s crucial to look at this population segment as one with the highest risk of social exclusion (UNICEF citado em Cunha, 2005), in order to understand not only the importance of increasing their autonomy, but also the importance of creating the necessary conditions to aid their integration, through an effort of both the institutions and society as a whole. Without this complementarity of efforts and answers, it would be difficult to achieve a complete integration of these young adults (Delgado, 2006). In the elaboration of this analysis several research methodologies were used, such as statistical data and legal documents analysis, interviewing of institution directors, staff, and both currently and formerly institutionalized young adults and children. This investigation allowed us to conclude that the child and young people care system has margin to improve. Although there is clearly an effort of institutions so that the people they shelter develop the necessary skills for an autonomous and independent life, there is a clear absence of answers and concrete and effective support in the post sheltering period.
Date of Award7 Jul 2016
Original languagePortuguese
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorLiliana Fernandes (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Social exclusion
  • Institutionalisation
  • Post-care
  • Empowerment
  • Children and young people at risk

Designation

  • Mestrado em Economia Social

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