Caregiver-Child Relationship in Residential Homes for Children

Abstract

Residential homes in India provide an alternative to family-based care for an important number of children in need of care and protection. Children’s relationship within residential homes, especially with their caregivers, has a crucial role to play in their physical and psychological recovery from any traumatic experiences in their past, and in facilitating their cognitive, physical and psycho-social development in general. In view of the relevance of interactions between caregivers and child residents, this study attempted to understand the existing status of caregiver-child relationship in residential homes for children in Delhi. The study followed a Quantitative Paradigm and used Semi-Structured Interview schedule to conduct face-to-face interviews with caregivers working directly with children across 14 residential homes. The research findings captured essential patterns of relationship between caregivers and their children and also established important linkages between the aspects of care-relationship and practices of residential homes with regard to care work. Drawing from findings of the research and insights developed from relevant literature in the national and international domain, the study brings out recommendations towards strengthening caregiver-child relationship in residential homes.

Keywords: Caregiver-Child Relationship, Residential Homes, Children in Need of Care and Protection

View PDF