ALTERNATIVE CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH LONG-TERM FAMILY-LIKE CARE: CASE STUDY OF SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES THAILAND

Abstract

This research aimed to study alternative care for children with long-term family-like care and the family functioning provided by the SOS Children's Villages of Thailand. It was a qualitative research approach, with data collected from four groups of participants: 1) Directors or deputy directors, 2) Social workers or education officers, 3) Foster mothers, and 4) Youth home staff. The participants, totaling 30 individuals, were purposively selected from five SOS Children's Villages located in Bangpoo, Hat Yai, Nong Khai, Chiang Rai, and Phuket. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview. Data collection methods included document analysis, literature review, and in-depth telephone interviews. The data were analyzed using a descriptive approach. The results of the study found that: 1) The SOS Children's Villages of Thailand provides care for children in two models: the long-term family-like care, which provides care based on the elements of “mother, siblings, home, village” and various services, to support children to grow up in a family-like environment and a sense of belonging; and the family strengthening program, which supports careers and family relationships to reduce the long-term separation of children from their families. and 2) The SOS Children’s Villages Thailand fulfills four family roles: Basic living tasks, which involve providing the four necessities of life; emotional bonding and attachment, which ensures that children receive close and attentive care; Child-rearing responsibilities, which focuses on raising children according to their age-appropriate growth; Crisis management responsibilities involve addressing and resolving challenges faced by the children. The Recommendations: 1) The government should have a screening system and provide comprehensive support services for families facing challenges, collaborating with local agencies to reduce the separation of children from their families. and 2) The environments of childcare institutions should be adjusted to resemble a family-like environment and enhance the caregivers to perform roles as closely as possible to that of “parents.”