Children’s Emotional Needs Regarding Contact with their Parents during their Placement: Professionals Perceptions

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study concerns the exploration of the perceptions of professionals working in residential child care and in child psychiatric clinics in Greece regarding family visits during child placement. The participants were fourteen people working in residential child care and child psychiatric clinics. A qualitative approach was chosen. The method of thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Five main categories emerged from the analysis, which led to a more thorough understanding of the participant’s perceptions. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of connecting youth with their story and their parents. Emphasis is placed on the protective and supportive role of the institution (and the people who actually form it) and their ability to provide a safe environment that can maintain boundaries and in which they are emotionally available to the children and resilient.