Adolescents In Institutional Care Research Articles

Menstrual Health Experiences of Adolescents in Institutional Care

Aim The objective of the present study was to explore the menstrual health experiences of adolescents residing in institutional care. Method An in-depth interview with 25 adolescents residing in institutional care was conducted from February to March 2022. The data collected through semi-structured interviews were transcribed and then translated for the report writing purpose. Results After inductive thematic analysis, four themes were identified, namely, menstrual experiences, access to menstrual products, social support and coping behaviours. Conclusion Based on the result findings, it can be concluded that it is high time for the policy makers, non-government organisations and government to join hands to address the needs of institutionalised adolescent menstruators. Only then, holistic women empowerment goal can be achieved. Limitation The present study was limited to qualitative analysis of 25 in-depth interviews from adolescents residing in one of the institutional cares of Gujarat state. Recommendations Future multicentric research studies could be conducted with large sample size by incorporating mixed method research design in order to gain deeper insights into the problem stated. Implications In the light of the experience of adolescent menstruators residing in institutional care, they can be educated about menstrual management. Counselling is necessary and the need of hour for adolescent menstruators to deal with how to handle emotions before and during menstrual phase.

The Kusa manga, a secondary prevention program for cannabis use in adolescence based on emotional regulation: Preliminary data

IntroductionFrance is one of the European countries with the highest prevalence of cannabis use, particularly in adolescence. Emotional regulation (ER) is one of the major risk factor in the etiology and the maintenance of cannabis use disorder and therefore is a key target for prevention programs. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and the impact of a prevention program focusing on ER (especially on various emotional skills like awareness, emotional clarity and reactivity, ER strategies, and the level of emotional awareness) and on cannabis use among adolescents from various institutions. MethodIn total, 87 adolescents from various institutions were included. ER was assessed by the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Emotion Reactivity Scale and the Adolescent Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale; cannabis use was assess by the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST). All participants were assess before preventive intervention (T0) and four months after the end of the program (T1). ResultsBetween T0 and T1, for all participants, there was an increase of emotional awareness, a decrease of emotional sensitivity, intensity and persistence, and an increase of the level of emotional awareness (total, self and others). There was no significant difference between T0 and T1 in CAST scores. ConclusionsThe prevention program showed encouraging results with a vulnerable group of adolescents in institutional care, particularly those from the Child Social Care (Aide sociale à l’enfance) and Child Forensic Institution (Protection judiciaire de la jeunesse) by showing an effect on different components of ER but not directly on cannabis use.

Major depression, substance use, and resilience among female adolescents in institutional care

ABSTRACT Objective This study compared female adolescents in institutional care (AICs) diagnosed with major depression (MD) or substance use disorder (SUD) with those who were not. In addition, we examined the protective effects of resilience, coping skills, and social support on SUD and MD. Methods Participants included 49 female AICs (11–18 years) and a control group of 49 girls of similar age. Psychiatric diagnoses were made using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). In addition, participants completed self-report questionnaires: Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders Child Version (SCARED), The Child and Youth Psychological Resilience Scale, KIDCOPE, Social Support Appraisals Scale (SSAS), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Results AICs were found to have more psychopathologies than the control group. Higher resilience, SSAS-friends scores, and more positive coping styles were associated with lower CDI scores in AICs with MD. CDI and SCARED scores were higher, and SSAS- family, friends, teacher scores, and positive coping styles were lower in the AICs with SUD. Conclusions Resilience, increased social support from friends, and positive coping styles showed negative relationships with MD and SUD in AICs. Social support from teachers and family was negatively associated with SUD in AICs.

COMMUNICATION WITH ADOLESCENTS UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE

Ergenlik, insan yaşamının en fırtınalı ve çatışmalı deneyimlerin yaşandığı dönem olarak tanımlanabilir. Bu dönemde birey, fizyolojik, sosyal, bilişsel, ruhsal, ahlaki, duygusal, cinsel, davranışsal ve ilişkisel açıdan önemli bir değişim ve gelişim içindedir. Çok boyutlu değişimler ergen için avantaj sağlarken aynı zamanda bazı dezavantajları da beraberinde getirmektedir. Ergenlerin bedensel değişimleri artmakta, beden imajıyla ilgili olumlu veya olumsuz algıya ilişkin çatışmalar ve risk alma potansiyelinde artış görülmekte, çatışmalı etkileşimlere girme, intrapsişik ve interpersonel çatışmalar yaşama, daha fazla sorgulayıcı olma, daha kırılgan olma düzeyleri artmaktadır. Kurum bakımı altında olan ergenlerin rol model niteliğindeki bakım personeli ile ya da kurumsal yapıyla çatışmalı etkileşimler yaşaması da olasıdır. Bu süreçte, olumlu ve olumsuz sosyal ve problemli davranışlar sergileyebilirler. Kurum bakımında olan ergenlerin zaman zaman akran zorbalığı, depresyon, madde kullanımı, okul terki veya okuldan kaçma, kurallara uymama, bireysel sorumluluklarını yerine getirmeme gibi uyumsuz davranışlar gösterebilmektedir. Bu süreçte, ergenlerle kurulan iletişim önemlidir. Ergenlerle çalışan kurum personelinin etkili iletişim becerileri kullanılması bu çatışmalı etkileşimlerle başetmelerinde onlara yardımcı olur. Bu çalışmada, ergenlik döneminde duygu karmaşası yaşayan gençlerin ayrıca kurum bakımı altında olmaları nedeniyle duygu durum kontrolü yapmakta zorlanmaları ve bunları dile getirmedeki problemleri, bu problemlerle yaşayan gençlere hizmet sunan kurum personeli ve her iki grup arasındaki iletişim süreçleri irdelenmiştir. Bununla birlikte çalışma kurum bakımı altında olan ergenlerle çalışan personele yönelik etkili iletişim becerilerine de değinmeyi hedeflemiştir.

시설보호 청소년의 부정적 사건경험과 문제행동의 관계에서 부모애착과 또래애착의 매개효과

The main purpose of the study was to examine the mediating effects of parent attachment and peer attachment on the relationship between negative life events and problem behavior among adolescents in institutional care. The subjects were 472 adolescents in 75 group homes and in 12 care institutions in Jeonbuk, Jeonnam province and G metropolitan city. The data were analyzed using SPSSWIN 27.0 program and SPSS Process macro program. In order to verify the significance of the mediation effect, bootstrapping was conducted. The results were as follows: First, life events of adolescents in institutional care were not significantly correlated to both internalizing and externalizing problems whereas violent events of adolescents in institutional care were positively correlated to both internalizing and externalizing problems. Moreover parents attachment, and peer attachment of adolescents in institutional care were negatively correlated to both internalizing and externalizing problems. Second, parent attachment and peer attachment of adolescents in institutional care had partial mediating effects between violent events and internalizing problems. However parent attachment of adolescents in institutional care had full mediating effects between violent events and externalizing problems whereas peer attachment had partial mediating effects.

Expanding the concept of birthparent loss to orphans: Exploratory findings from adolescents in institutional care in South Korea

Conservative estimates of the number of orphaned and abandoned children suggest there are approximately 132 million worldwide, of whom the majority reside in Asia followed by Sub-Saharan Africa. Research on alternative care for children in need of parental protection have largely been siloed by care setting (i.e. institutional care, adoption, foster care) without consideration of risk factors across care types. One factor specific to alternative care that occurs for all children across care settings is disruption and disconnection of birth parents as a consequence of out-of-home placement. Thus, the purpose of this cross-sectional study of 170 adolescents in institutional care in South Korea was to explore whether a common risk factor specific to the experience of family removal and placement in alternative care, cognitive appraisal of birth parent loss, was present and was a risk factor for more mental health and behavior problems. Findings affirmed the majority of adolescents in institutional care had thoughts about birth parents, but most did not express negative emotions towards birth parents. A more negative appraisal of birth parent loss was found to be a significant predictor of more depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and internalizing behavior problems, but not more externalizing behavior problems. Findings suggest cognitive appraisal of birth parent loss may be a risk factor for more mental health and internal behavior problems for youth in institutional care and that systems of alternative care need to assist youth in having information about their birth parents regardless of contact.

Theorizing pathways to resilience among orphaned adolescents in institutional care in India

De-institutionalization and a transition to family-based alternatives have long been the answers to all issues raised against residential care of at-risk children by child welfare advocates in India. Despite the innumerable developmental benefits of family-based substitute care, complete eradication of child-care institutions from the national scenario has multiple practical constraints. Given these limitations, building resilience among institutionalized children has been considered a worthier goal for intervention. Unfortunately, the area has not received much attention, and only limited investigations have targeted this sub-set of the population. This grounded theory study aimed to theorize pathways through which orphaned adolescents within institutional care navigate to achieve positive adaptation. Purposive sampling resulted in interviews with 28 adolescents (16 males and 12 females) between 14 and 23 years old. Findings reveal that a desire to break through adversity was found to be at the core for enhancing the protective value of resources encountered post-institutional admission. This desire was found to be a direct consequence of an adversity struck childhood, and in conjunction with environmental resources, it was found to exert its protective influence in both initially maintaining children at the institution as well as in their long-term adjustment. These findings are significant as prior research has not focused on exploring the protective route fostering positive outcomes among institutionalized adolescents. It is concluded that given specific reforms, institutional care holds the potential to offer just what the at-risk residents desire when other options are unfeasible.

A promoção da saúde de crianças e adolescentes em acolhimento institucional: desafios e perspectivas

Esta é uma pesquisa qualitativa de caráter exploratório realizada em 2018 numa cidade do Triangulo Mineiro, com o objetivo de analisar as ações de promoção da saúde destinadas a crianças e adolescentes em acolhimento institucional. A coleta de dados em campo se deu por entrevistas gravadas, com posterior análise de conteúdo temática e categorização. Participaram seis profissionais de cinco instituições de acolhimento para crianças e adolescentes. Quatro categorias emergiram: As instituições e as profissionais; As condições de saúde das crianças e adolescentes e as respostas oferecidas pelas instituições; As ações de promoção da saúde e O acesso à rede de serviços de saúde. Os resultados apontam a preocupação das instituições com os cuidados de saúde aos acolhidos, que se expressa em ações como consultas médicas, exames e vacinação. Considera-se a necessidade de novas alternativas de promoção da saúde dessas crianças e adolescentes afastados do convívio familiar.

Factors Associated with Prosocial and Problematic Behaviors of Adolescents in Institutional Care: Investigation with Comparative Sample

Bu çalışmanın amacı korunma altında olan ve ailesi ile yaşayan ergenlerin olumlu sosyal davranışlarını ve davranış problemlerini yordayan faktörleri (örn., akran ilişkileri, algıladıkları sosyal destek mekanizmaları ve bilişsel duygu düzenleme becerileri) incelemektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini Diyarbakır Aile ve Sosyal Politikalar İl Müdürlüğü tarafından korunma altına alınmış yaşları 10 ile 17 yıl arasında değişen 79 (% 57 erkek) ergen ve ailesi ile yaşayan aynı yaş grubunda 95 (% 44.2 erkek) ergen oluşturmaktadır. İki grubun değişkenler açısından karşılaştırıldığı analiz sonuçları korunma altında olan ergenlerin diğerlerine kıyasla hem sosyal destek sistemlerinin hem de duygularını düzenleme becerilerinin daha zayıf olduğunu göstermiştir. İkinci olarak, ergenlerin olumlu sosyal davranışlarını ve davranış problemlerini yordayan değişkenleri belirlemek amacıyla korunma altında olan ve ailesi ile yaşayan ergenlere ayrı ayrı hiyerarşik regresyon analizi uygulanmıştır. Bulgulara göre korunma altındaki ergenlerin olumlu sosyal davranışlarını arkadaşlarından algıladıkları sosyal destek ve olumlu bilişsel duygu düzenleme stratejileri yordamaktadır. Korunma altındaki ergenlerin davranış problemlerini ise arkadaştan algılanan sosyal destek, olumlu bilişsel duygu düzenleme stratejileri ve olumsuz bilişsel duygu düzenleme stratejileri istatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde yordamaktadır. Öte yandan ailesi ile yaşayan ergenlerin olumlu sosyal davranışlarını olumlu ve olumsuz bilişsel duygu düzenleme stratejileri yordamaktadır. Yine ailesi ile yaşayan ergenlerin davranış problemlerini arkadaştan algılanan sosyal destek ve olumsuz bilişsel duygu düzenleme stratejileri anlamlı şekilde yordamaktadır. 

[Do Children and Adolescents with Different Reasons for Admission Equally Benefit from Institutional Care?]

Do Children and Adolescents with Different Reasons for Admission Equally Benefit from Institutional Care? Currently, almost 150.000 children and adolescents are placed in institutional care in Germany with the aim to improve their living conditions. Various studies showed positive effects concerning the development of those institutionalized children and adolescents. Within the present study, 500 children and adolescents in institutional care were examined regarding the improvement of quality of life and social competencies during their care placement depending on the respective reason for admission (group A: admission due to mental health and behavior problems; group S: problems in the context of the school; group O: no mental health problems, but other reasons). Furthermore, differences in the development of children and adolescents who initiated the placement by themselves and those who did not were examined. Results show that over a period of 18-24 months, all three groups developed effectively equally. Group A had a lower initial level regarding quality of life and social competencies compared to group S and group O and therefore reached lower outcomes within the investigation period. Development was irrespective of whether or not children and adolescents initiated the institutional placement by themselves. The results demonstrate that all three groups were able to benefit from institutional care, although children and adolescents with mental health problems had a notable potential for further development.

Sosyal Problem Çözme Programı’nın Kurum Bakımındaki Ergenlere Etkileri

This study included a quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test control groups to examine the effectiveness of the Social Problem-Solving Program (SPSP) on adolescents in institutional care. Data from 12 adolescents in the institutional care of the Turkish Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Policies in Amasya, six of them were in the experimental, and the rest of them were in the control group are presented. The Interpersonal Problem-Solving Inventory (IPSI) was used as a measuring tool. The SPSP was applied in 10 sessions, 90 minutes a day per week. In the analysis to identify the effects of the SPSP, it was found that the experimental group’s approach to the problem negatively has decreased significantly, and constructive problem-solving and insistent-persevering approach scores have increased significantly after the program. Nevertheless, there are no effects on a lack of self-confidence and unwillingness to take responsibility. Based on this information, although it is seen that SPSP’s social problem-solving of the adolescent in institutional care have significant contributions; it is thought that repeating the research in larger samples may yield more effective results, organizing training to understand and express emotions in the schools where they receive education, and increasing the number of sessions can contribute positively to their social problem-solving skills.

Lebensqualität und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten bei unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlingen in Einrichtungen der Jugendhilfe

Quality of Life and Behavioral Problems of Unaccompanied Minor Refugees in Child Care Facilities Unaccompanied minor refugees (UMR) who arrive in Germany are generally placed in institutional child care facilities. UMR are a very burdened group, however other children and adolescents in institutional care are burdened as well, and their quality of life is often reduced. The aim of the current study was thus to compare quality of life and behavioral problems of UMR in child care facilities with those of other resident adolescents. For a total of 50 UMR, data regarding behavioral problems was available, for 41 UMR ratings on quality of life, both from external assessments. Two parallel comparison samples of other adolescents in the same institutional care facilities were drawn with adolescents with and without a migration background. Results show that in general, UMR show fewer behavioral problems than the other two groups, especially in externalizing behavior. For internalizing behavior, no differences were evident. For quality of life, no differences could be found between the three groups of inhabitants in institutional care. This indicates that the same factors determining quality of life are present in all three groups, but that the underlying mental problems are different in UMR than in other adolescents. Thus, staff in institutional care should possibly work differently with these group of adolescents than with other inhabitants and should be educated respectively.

Understanding Career Decision-making Difficulties of Adolescents in Institutional Care

Understanding Career Decision-making Difficulties of Adolescents in Institutional Care

Children and adolescents in institutional care versus traditional families: a quality of life comparison in Japan

BackgroundA good quality of life (QOL) is important for the physical and mental well-being of all children. However, young people who live in an institutional setting may face different challenges than those who are raised in a traditional family. While a few quantitative studies of institutionalized children’s QOL have been conducted, no research has investigated the QOL of young people living in Children’s Homes (CHs) in Japan. This research compared the QOL of children and adolescents in Japan who live in CHs with that of children and adolescents living in traditional families.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2016 with 204 students (grades three through nine), 47 of whom lived in a CH, and 157 of whom lived in a traditional family. Ages ranged from 8 to 15 years (CH: 55.8% Female, 44.2% Male; Traditional: 54.1% Female, 45.9% Male). Participants answered the kid-Kinder Lebensqualität Fragebogen (Translated from German: Children’s quality of life questionnaire; KINDL®) Japanese Version, which covers six subscales of QOL; they filled in the questionnaires at home. Analysis of variance was used to compare QOL between the two samples.ResultsThe total QOL score for all students (combined elementary school students and junior high school students) from CHs was statistically significantly lower than that for students from traditional families. Scores for the subscales, emotional well-being and family, were also significantly lower for CH young people than for those in traditional families. While elementary pupils in CHs reported lower QOL than those in traditional families, no significant differences in QOL were seen between junior high school students from CHs and their peers from traditional families.ConclusionsThe findings presented support previous research showing that the QOL of elementary school students living in CHs is significantly lower than that of their peers in traditional families. However, this difference was not observed among junior high school students. This contrast suggests that QOL changes with age. Future research is needed to evaluate the determinants of QOL among all generations and family contexts.

The effects of group art play therapy program on the self-reliance of female adolescents in institutional care

The effects of group art play therapy program on the self-reliance of female adolescents in institutional care

Effectiveness of life skills education and psychoeducation on emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents in institutional care in Kenya: a longitudinal study.

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of life skills education (LSE) and psychoeducation in the reduction of Youth Self Report (YSR) scores on institutionalized children using structured activities supported by trained facilitators. LSE involved participation of children in life skills activities to support development of key psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills. The study included 630 children from three institutions. Of these, 171 were in the Intervention Group 1 (life skills education and psychoeducation), 162 were in the Intervention Group 2 (psychoeducation only), and 297 children were in the control group. A researcher-developed socio-demographic questionnaire and the YSR were used. Baseline assessments were conducted before the interventions and again at 3, 6, and 9months. Differences between the two intervention groups and the control group were investigated using least squares linear regression. There was a statistically significant reduction in scores in internalizing, externalizing, and total problem scores in both intervention arms (p<.05) compared with the control arm at 3months. At 6months, no significant differences were found between the intervention Group 1 and control group for internalizing score (p=.594); however, there were significant differences in both intervention groups for both externalizing and total problem scores (p<.05). At 9months, significant differences were observed between control and both intervention groups for externalizing scores; total problems for Intervention Group 1. A combination of Life Skills Education and psychoeducation is effective in reducing emotional and behavioral problems in institutionalized children.

Lifetime prevalence and incidence of sexual victimization of adolescents in institutional care

The frequency of sexual victimization in high-risk populations like adolescents in institutional care has hardly been studied. In this study, we report lifetime prevalence and incidence from a nationwide German sample including 322 adolescents (mean age 16.69 years, 43% female) from 20 residential care facilities and 12 boarding schools. Lifetime prevalence for severe sexual victimization (in and outside of institution) was 46.7% for girls and 8.0% for boys. Moreover, 5% of all adolescents experienced severe sexual victimization for the first time after they were admitted to the current institution (mean duration of stay in the current institution 3.08 years). Offenders were mostly adolescents of the same age whereas staff members played a minor role as perpetrators. We conclude that the high rate of sexual victimization among adolescents in institutional care should be considered during decision-making processes concerning out-of-home placement and during a stay in residential care.

[Disclosure of Adolescents in Residential Care Institutions and Boarding Schools after Exposure to Sexual Violence].

Disclosure of Adolescents in Residential Care Institutions and Boarding Schools after Exposure to Sexual Violence In international research, many papers exist about the issue of disclosure after having experienced sexual violence. However, specific research regarding disclosure processes of children and adolescents in institutional care are missing, even though those are particularly often affected by sexual violence. In the Germany-wide study "Sprich mit!", adolescents from the age of 15 up (n = 322; average age 16,69 (SD = 1,3); 57,1 % males) who live in residential care or boarding schools were asked for experiences of sexual violence and their consequences by means of a self-report questionnaire. Results showed that the majority of the adolescents (82 %) entrusted themselves to someone, mostly towards peers (56 %) and less frequent towards adults (24 %). Boys and girls opened up equally often, regardless of the severity of the experienced violence. Adolescents who entrusted themselves towards their peers indicated retrospectively more satisfaction than those entrusting themselves towards adults, even if there were no consequences following the disclosure. Considering that the disclosure towards peers did not initiate a process of help, adolescents in institutional care should be better informed about relevant possibilities to entrust themselves and receive support.

Youth Development Models and Indian Youth: A Critical Literature Review, Case Example and Applications to Youth in Alternative Care

Western models of youth development emphasise a holistic view of youth and identify the individual factors, social relationships, and institutional support that are necessary for a successful transition to young adulthood. Such models may be applicable to at-risk populations, including youth in institutionalised care. Institutional care is a documented risk factor for adverse social and mental health outcomes; however, studies have documented common factors that promote positive development among institutionalised youth. The purpose of the current article is to assess the relevance of Western youth development models to adolescents in institutional care in India. The authors review three frameworks for positive youth development, present a critical literature review on youth in institutional care, and situate results within relevant cultural, historic and socioeconomic contexts in India. Youth development models are used to synthesise findings, and potential implications are illustrated with a case example of an exemplary institutional care setting in India. When situated within the larger socioeconomic, historical and cultural contexts, international literature and Western youth development models may serve as a potential resource for practitioners and institutions working with youth in alternative care.

Paediatrics Today

Objective – To present data from the first nationwide study on children and adolescents in foster care (institutional care and family care services) in Brazil. It seeks to provide a profile of these institutions, the number of children and adolescents in foster care, the context of the services and the reason the child/adolescent was taken in, set against the population size (small, medium, large, and metropolises) of the municipality where the institution is located. The study also describes the general health conditions of the children and adolescents living in foster care. Materials and methods – Data from 2,617 institutional care and 144 family care units spread across 1,157 Brazilian municipalities are presented. Results – The number of children and adolescents assisted was 37,861, of whom 36,929 were in institutional care services and 932 in family care services. Most children and adolescents in institutional care were located in large municipalities and metropolises (65.4%), while those in family care are more likely to be in small municipalities. The most frequent reasons for taking in the children and adolescents were neglect and abandonment. A total of 7.6% of the children and adolescents in institutional care services and 7.7% of those in family care services were found to have health problems, the most significant being mental health issues, infectious diseases and genetic and congenital diseases. Conclusion – The study provides a better understanding of the situation of children and adolescents in foster care and the associated problems, particularly in developing countries, thereby providing suggestions for the planning and enforcement of public policies aimed at the protection of young people.