Schutz- und Gefährdungspotenziale des Aufwachsens in sozialpädagogischen Wohngruppen

Abstract

If the child's welfare is not sufficiently safeguarded by remaining in their home, children and youth are placed in alternative care, often in socio-educational group homes. However, what is intended to protect minors is itself a risk factor in their biography and development. Based on resilience research, developmental theory and specialist literature on out-of-home care, this master's thesis is dedicated to the question of protective and endangering aspects of growing up in group homes. Through qualitative expert interviews, the question is explored in depth and findings are confirmed, discussed, or added. Five experts, who are professionally involved with socio-pedagogical group homes holding various functions, are interviewed. The dangers and stress that are caused by separation from home are confirmed. Placement in group homes proves to be an emergency solution, so to speak, but one that can have a protective, healing effect for many individuals if the necessary resources are provided and trusting relationships with caregivers are successfully established. Attachment and relationships, supportive caregivers, honesty and transparency towards the children and families as well as intensive cooperation with them and the pursuit of common goals prove to be the most protective factors. The most dangerous circumstances cited by the interviewees were the separation itself, the accumulation of vulnerable clients in group homes, a lack of financial, structural and personnel resources and the lack of suitable accommodation. This master's thesis aims to shed further light on how socio-pedagogical group homes can be designed in order to counteract the dangerous aspects of external placement in the most protective way possible.

Date of Award	May 2024
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Christian Stark (Supervisor)