The present research study is a field-based empirical study of Children in two Model Foster Care Institutions in South Delhi viz. The S O S Village, Bawana, Delhi, and Prayas, Delhi.
The study highlights that in spite of setbacks in their normal childhood, the inmates in these institutions do not seem to be suffering from any personality problems, or any major psychological setback in terms of psychological well being. A majority of them do not find their institution and the stay there as highly satisfactory. They do not seem to enjoy their residence except that they realise their compulsion and no-option situation. The elder children, as they grow up, feel the inadequacy increasingly.
Table of Contents
Introduction
CHILD MALTREATMENT: Meaning, Nature and a Working Definition
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE:
Introduction to the Institution of Study
I. S O S Children’s Village in Bawana
II. PRAYAS, SOUTH DELHI
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Methodology for data collection and Analysis:
Sample
DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
I. Demographic Profile of the Children
1.1 Sex and Age Composition of the Study Sample
1.2 Educational Level of Respondents
1.3 Family’s Annual Income (in Rupees)
1.4 Referral/Form of Entry
1.5 Circumstances of Entry
1.6 Personality Traits of the sample as observed
1.7 Perception of Rewards within the Institute
1.8 Perception of Punishment within the Institute
1.9 General Perception of the Administration
1.10 Adequacy of Services Provided (Children’s Perception)
1.11 Adequacy of Services (Mothers’/service providers’ Perception)
1.12 Adequacy of Services Provided (Management’s Perception)
1.13 Perception of Level of Motivation and Work Satisfaction
1.14 Maintenance of Records - SOS Village
1.15 Maintenance of Records - Prayas
PRESENTATION OF OBSERVATION DATA
SUMMARY OF THE STUDY, STUDY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Research Objectives and Themes
The research aims to conduct a field-based empirical study of children residing in two model foster care institutions in Delhi, India, specifically the SOS Children's Village and Prayas. The central objective is to evaluate the psychological well-being of the inmates, assess their perception of the institutional environment, and examine the effectiveness of the care and rehabilitation services provided to these marginalized children.
- Psychological and personality assessment of institutionalized children.
- Evaluation of the institutional environment and administrative effectiveness.
- Comparative analysis of child referral patterns and entry circumstances.
- Assessment of caregiver motivation, job satisfaction, and record-keeping practices.
Excerpt from the Book
CHILD MALTREATMENT: Meaning, Nature and a Working Definition
Social scientists are now coming to believe that sexual abuse of children in India is far more prevalent than most people realise. The enormity of the problem can be realized by the fact that in India alone, it is reported that at least 25 percent of the adult population has been molested before the age of 16. At least 27 million females are adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Incest is the most common form of child abuse.
Child abuse, physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment or neglect of children by parents, guardians, or others influence the personality makeup of the child. They are greatly responsible for the general welfare of the child. Physical abuse is characterized by physical injury, usually inflicted as a result of a beating or inappropriately harsh discipline. Sexual abuse includes molestation, incest, rape, prostitution, or use of a child for pornographic purposes. Neglect can be physical in nature (abandonment, failure to seek needed health care), educational (failure to see that a child is attending school), or emotional (abuse of a spouse or another child in the child's presence, allowing a child to witness adult substance abuse). Inappropriate punishment, verbal abuse, and scape-goating are also forms of emotional or psychological child abuse. Some authorities consider parental actions abusive if they have negative future consequences, e.g., exposure of a child to violence or harmful substances, extending in some views to the passive inhalation of cigarette smoke.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a contextual overview of child welfare, tracing the shift from traditional religious charity to a modern, holistic understanding of child rights and development.
CHILD MALTREATMENT: Meaning, Nature and a Working Definition: Defines the various forms of child abuse and neglect in the Indian context, highlighting the prevalence of sexual abuse and the impact on child personality development.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE: Discusses the broader societal drivers of child suffering, such as war, poverty, and social disruption, and their long-term developmental consequences.
Introduction to the Institution of Study: Details the operational frameworks, administrative structures, and philosophies of the two studied institutions, SOS Children’s Village and Prayas.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Outlines the qualitative-heavy empirical research approach, including the sampling techniques and the structure of interview schedules used to collect data.
DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION: Presents and interprets the quantitative data collected from the child inmates, caregivers, and administrators regarding their experiences, perceptions, and levels of satisfaction.
PRESENTATION OF OBSERVATION DATA: Supplements the interview results with qualitative findings obtained through non-participant observation during institutional visits.
SUMMARY OF THE STUDY, STUDY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Synthesizes the core findings, noting that while children exhibit resilience, there is significant room for improvement in providing a truly positive developmental environment and achieving operational transparency.
Keywords
Child welfare, Foster care institutions, Child abuse, Institutionalized children, Psychological well-being, Child rights, SOS Children's Village, Prayas, Rehabilitation, Social work, India, Data analysis, Child development, Institutional management, Mentorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research is a field-based empirical study investigating the experiences and psychological well-being of children living in two specific foster care institutions in Delhi, India.
What are the central themes covered in the work?
The work explores child maltreatment definitions, the impact of institutionalization on personality development, the operational models of caregiving NGOs, and the effectiveness of current child rehabilitation strategies.
What is the research question addressed by the author?
The study examines how institutional environments influence the personality, psychological health, and social adjustment of children who have faced past abuse and neglect.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data derived from structured interviews with child inmates and staff, and qualitative data obtained through systematic non-participant observation.
What does the main body of the work detail?
It provides detailed demographic profiles of the respondents, analyzes their perceptions of rewards and punishments, evaluates administrative transparency, and critiques the overall developmental environment provided by the institutions.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include Child welfare, Foster care, Child abuse, Psychological well-being, Institutional management, Rehabilitation, and Social work in India.
How do the two institutions, SOS Village and Prayas, differ in their approach?
While both aim to mitigate suffering, SOS Village functions more independently with a focus on family-style community living, whereas Prayas utilizes a collaborative "cafeteria approach" involving governmental departments and wider social mobilization.
What is the author's primary conclusion regarding the institutions?
The author concludes that while the institutions provide necessary shelter and care, they struggle to create a truly positive, humanistic developmental environment and often suffer from inadequate motivation among staff and poor record-keeping practices.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Syed Tariq Ahmad (Auteur), 2007, A Study of Children in Foster Care Institutions in Delhi, India, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/189499
