Examining children’s homes in light of Türkiye’s evolving child welfare system

Abstract

This research aims to examine children’s homes, one of the residential child care institutions in Türkiye, in terms of spatial aspects, institutional functioning and, child-care staff relations. This study sought to shed light on the retrospective experiences of twenty young people using a phenomenological research design, one of the qualitative research methodologies. Of the young people interviewed, 9 were female and 11 were male and their ages ranged between 18 and 23. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview questions. The data were coded with the MAXQDA2024 qualitative analysis program. Then the findings were presented in terms of the spatial, administrative and, operational aspects of the home-type system and the interaction between care staff and children/young people. As a result, this study found that the relationship established with the care staff, the provision of continuous, stable care, and the establishment of a trust-based relationship between care staff and child are as important as the spatial dimension in creating a “sense of home” and a sense of belonging in children’s homes. Thus, it is aimed to raise awareness on how to increase the effectiveness of the children’s home in Türkiye and to contribute to academics and policymakers in the process of improving the system.