Abstract

GARCIA-QUIROGA, Manuela  and  URBINA, Carolina. «She’s my favourite»: Children´s perspectives about good residential child care. Rev.latinoam.cienc.soc.niñez juv [online]. 2021, vol.19, n.3, pp.44-67.  Epub Nov 30, 2021. ISSN 1692-715X.  https://doi.org/10.11600/rlcsnj.19.3.4179.

This research explores the perspectives of children living in residential programs regarding the characteristics of a good caregiver. A qualitative study was developed using graphic techniques and group interviews with 14 children living in residential programs in Valparaíso-Chile. The network of care perceived by the children at individual and residential level was identified, highlighting residential figures over family members. The children showed a specificity of the bond with their residential caregivers and suggested characteristics of a good caregiver, associated with protection, permanence and daily accompaniment. Affection is a crosscutting element in children's narratives about their caregiving experiences and perspectives on what makes a good caregiver. The results suggest that residential programs should consider children's perspectives and create conditions to favor this affective bonding with caregivers.

Keywords : Child care; child welfare; interpersonal relations; childhood; residential child care.

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