The role of social workers in psychosocial development of children in residential care in Latvia and Slovakia

Abstract

Children in institutional care face many challenges that can impact their psychosocial development, which refers to the interaction between psychological and social factors that influence a child's growth and adaptation. This research explored social workers' role in fostering children's psychosocial growth in residential care. By applying psychosocial development theory, this study identified various services to promote children's psychosocial well-being in residential care. It also utilized attachment theory to examine the role of social workers in the emotional and social development of children in residential care in Latvia and Slovakia. The research employed a qualitative approach, conducting online interviews that allowed for in-depth exploration of the social workers' experiences and perspectives. These interviews were then analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns in the data. The study selected nine participants through purposive sampling, including five social workers from Slovakia and four from Latvia. The findings revealed that the children in residential care, both in Slovakia and Latvia, received different social services. The services include social support services (organizing quality time with children, organizing group activities, assigning responsibilities, and communication skills), emotional and behavioral support services (facilitating connections with biological parents and relatives, documenting child profiles, offering counseling sessions, and implementing art therapy), educational support services (tutorials, special needs education, and talent recognition,) and medical care service. Social workers' involvement in social, emotional, and behavioral support is high. Social workers also play different roles in providing services that enhance children's psychosocial development. Social workers are advocates, facilitators, coordinators, and need assessors in residential care, demonstrating their dedication and adaptability. However, the social workers encountered challenges such as limited resources (funding), complicated children’s cases, and work-related stress. The study showed a slight difference in challenges faced by social workers. The social workers face a high workload due to a shortage of professionals in Slovakia, whereas, in Latvia, the salary for social workers is inadequate, which makes social workers work in more than two places. Finally, the research found that the services that are provided to enhance independent living are rare, and the caregiver-child attachment also gets little attention. Moreover, there are some indicators of institutional features in residential care. Some facilities have hired nurses, and playgrounds are also included within the care facility, which is accessible only to children who have lost parental care. These findings highlight the critical need for greater awareness of the implementation of deinstitutionalization and the need to strengthen caregiver-child attachment.