Reintegração familiar de crianças em situação de rua: papel e desafios dos assistentes sociais do Centro Juvenil Ingrid Chowner (2021-2023)

Abstract

This research is based on the research topic, Family Reintegration of Homeless Children: The Role and Challenges of Social Workers at the Ingrid Chowner Youth Centre (2021-2023). The research problem is the role played by the social worker and the challenges faced in the process of family reintegration of street children, so that the children do not return to the street. The research has a qualitative approach, with bibliographical research on the subject, field research, semi-structured interviews and direct observation being used as data collection methods. The research involved five (5) assistants from the Ingrid Chowner Youth Centre who carried out activities during the research period. The analysis of the data was based in the ideas of Iamamoto (2017), which the social worke’s action aims at overcoming social inequalities, in the guarantee of human rights and the promote collective well-being. When analysing and discussing the data, it emerged that the Centre's social worker acts at all stages, from institutional reception to the children's family reintegration, with the aim of ensuring that their rights are respected. As well as dealing with the children, the social worker also works with the family, preparing them for reintegration. After reintegration, the social worker monitors adaptation and family coexistence until the children leave the institution. Family rejection and the failure to identify a replacement family, as well as the lack of resources to carry out home visits, are the professional challenges facing social workers in the family reintegration process. In conclusion, the work of foster care and family reintegration requires the constant presence and systematic scrutiny of the social worker.