The Well-being of Children and Young People: The Context of Social Services from the Perspective of the Capability Approach

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this article is to understand how social services contribute to the well-being of children and young people who use them. Method:The research study, based on Capability Approach, was done using amixed-research strategy. Participants:The collection of data took place through 44 in- depth semi-structured interviews with children, young people and their parents/foster parents who use social services in one of the regional capitals of the Czech Republic. Results:Parents at risk underrate their role in loving and caring for their children. Parents at risk are more likely than children to undervalue education. Social services do not develop young- sters’ capability to live ameaningful life. Conclusion: The research has shown that although social serv- ices have significant potential to ensure well-being for children and youth, they work primarily in away that provides clients with basic social functioning in the present, without influencing their future positively.

Needs of Children With Incarcerated Parents in Their Own Voice

“…It also became apparent that the children of incarcerated parents perceive the same needs as other children. The current findings are quite different from the results of Punová et al (2020) and Navrátilová et al (2021) as regards the capability of religious needs. While in earlier research children marginalized this capability, in our study the children of incarcerated parents perceived it as important, describing their relationship with God as something that gives them strength.…”

“…Our research developed as a response to this “invisibility.” In agreement with the research results of Nesmith and Ruhland (2008), we believe it necessary for children themselves to express what the incarceration of their parent means for them. Our research resonates with other authors who believe that creating a space for children’s voices in research is a key principle allowing us to understand the overall picture of the lives of children (Biggeri and Karkara, 2014; Navrátilová et al, 2021; Selwyn et al, 2017).…”

“…It was Punová et al (2020) and Navrátilová et al (2021) who pointed out that love and care is the most important capability for children in the Czech Republic, in this case children as recipients of social services. Such findings were replicated in our research as well.…”

Perceived functioning of the family system in professional foster families

“…They should be flexible in developing their relationship rules, traditions, and problem-solving strategies to meet the requirements of individual family members who differ in age, temper, cultural background, and personal and family history. Children who come into professional foster families are among the most vulnerable groups, typically having experienced maltreatment in their families, substance abuse by their parents, poverty, and suffering from mental health issues (Kelly, 2017;Navrátilová et al, 2021). Research shows that children in foster care have two to three times higher rates of developmental, emotional, and behavioural problems than other children (Burns et al, 2004;Keil and Price, 2006).…”