I BELONG

I belong

The meaning of quality in alternative care

In the best case scenario, alternative care becomes a new home, particularly in those cases when children cannot return to live with their biological families. In the worst case scenario, alternative care turns into another trauma. So what does a radically different environment need to become, with time, a place of trust? When will this new place become a home and offer a reliable system for bringing up children?

International standards and guidelines

"I can't remember exactly when I started to feel comfortable with my foster family. Maybe when I was getting washed. Cleanliness is very important to me. You know… being put to bed at 7.30 p.m., maybe being carried all wrapped up in a towel, getting a bowl of fruit, always eating meals at the same time... everything is structured. Small things such as these are so important."

This is how a girl from Ireland describes her early days with her foster family. Her experience, along with the ones from other 153 European children and young adults in alternative care, was the basis for the Quality4Children standards for alternative care in Europe. In the Quality4Children project, the experiences of biological parents, foster parents, social workers, representatives from different authorities and youth carers, from 26 European countries were also a vital input for developing the standards.

Alternative care is in itself an expression that causes people to be irritated. We associate it with non-family members, separation, the unknown, new ground. In fact, it is the reality of the lives of around one million children and young people in Europe who cannot live with their biological family. The Quality4Children project is one attempt to ensure that alternative care is as good, safe and considerate as possible. On a global level, SOS Children's Villages has been a leading organisation in supporting the development of the "Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children" which were finally welcomed by the UN General Assembly in 2009. These guidelines aim at promoting the rights of children in alternative care, by facilitating and guiding the progressive implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which is the foundation for our work.

The deciding factor for children is whether they feel as if they belong somewhere and are accepted. This is precisely what was expressed in most of the reports that children and young people gave to Quality4Children. Participation, transparency and respect are the keys to the various doors in the new house, whether that be with adoptive or foster parents, an SOS family, a youth facility or a home. Based on the fact that each child has his or her own needs, own background and individual reality, it is clear that there cannot be one single answer. We ask for equal rights for all children, but not all children need the same thing, particularly when it comes to serious questions such as: Where am I going to live? Who is going to look after me? What is going to happen to me? There are many different options and models for alternative care. According to Nigel Cantwell, international consultant on child protection, one option is not necessarily better than another... that is assuming that the quality of care is alright.

Origin and arrival

All decisions must be made for the good of the child. Great care must therefore be taken when making the radical decision to take children out of their biological families. The best possible solution for the children must be found, and the children and their biological families must be involved in all steps of the process. Children should as far as possible be involved in making decisions about where they will live and they should never be left in the dark as to what will happen to them. This requires open communication, which means that adults must speak to children in a language that they understand. Children must be listened to and taken seriously. All in all, as much care as possible should be taken during this process of transition which sees children leave their biological families and move into new homes. That means for example that children gradually get to know their foster families during regular visits, before they actually move into the families for good.

It is also clear that there is no universal answer. In this way, it should be possible to find a home for most siblings together. However, it can be that it is better for a child not to live with his or her siblings. If this is the case, the siblings should however stay in contact if it is for the child's wellbeing. This is particularly applicable to biological parents. They have a major role in the care process. Their participation, opinion and position must be respected and regulated in the same way as the child's.

Roots and new relationships

To almost all children, their biological families are and will remain the place to which they are linked and emotionally bound with. If their biological parents are criticised, blamed or negated by others, children experience a direct blow to their personality. Their origin must be respected so that the children can accept their new lives. Everyone has their own value - biological parents, children, substitute parents, carers; all those involved need to have clear what they are entitled to.

Stabile relationships, children being in contact with their biological families, qualified carers, understanding, respect and support, viewing children as the experts on their own lives, a healthy environment, education, living with those in the neighbourhood or community and adequate care for children with special needs are important aspects of the children's time in care, which ends in them becoming independent.

Commitment and letting go

Everything in the third phase of alternative care revolves around the stage of gradually becoming independent, which can mean the children moving into a youth facility, returning to their biological families or starting to lead a completely independent life. This stage is critical; it means saying goodbye and making a new start at the same time. Can the young adults actively take part in making decisions regarding their current situation and future? Is this process openly communicated and thoroughly planned? These are the most important indicators during the leaving-care phase.

The children's futures have to be considered well before they are taken into new homes. That is why it is vital that children and young adults leaving care are supported, given strength, and encouraged to take responsibility for themselves. Valuing social skills and self-esteem are also essential. The alternative care cycle ends in independence, which is not always a smooth transition and is frequently associated with fear, but if the care has been good, "moving out" is a change offering all kinds of possibilities rather than being a serious drawback.

Leaving care should not be seen as being a point of no return. Young adults should continue receiving help and support if they need it. They can remain in contact with their former caregivers, their “brothers and sisters” and friends.

"Someone rings the doorbell […] I open the door to see my social worker with loads of food in his arms. He asks: 'Shall we eat together?' That is exactly what I needed. [...] He dropped by and stayed for a while, just to see me - we had a really nice evening and I slept well that night."