Deinstitutionalization of children in residential care facilities: Experiences and perceptions of professionals in Ghana
Date
2023
Authors
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Publisher
Child & Family Social Work
Abstract
According to the literature, the success of deinstitutionalization (DI) practices in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) is dependent on key factors including, a well-functioning
family-based alternative care and social protection system, adequate funding and
resources, and professional and other stakeholders' engagement and support. Following a
practice research qualitative method, the study explored practitioner's experiences and
perceptions on the status of Ghana's ongoing DI efforts and their recommendations for
improving implementation. The study's main themes were establishing the need for
residential homes for children (RHCs), RHCs not being an ideal family environment and
RHCs as respite. Family marital problems, poor financial situation, stigma attached to some
children in care, abusive parents and a lack of suitable alternatives when families have a
crisis were identified as key factors that impede DI implementation in Ghana. The findings
suggest the need for a progressive approach towards DI implementation in LMICs, with
the first step being the re-positioning of RHCs as respite care centres while progressively
developing other alternative family-based care options (such as kinship care) for children.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
alternative care, deinstitutionalization, family-based care