Systematic Review of the Evaluation of Foster Care Programs.

OBJETIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct an exhaustive synthesis to determine which instruments and variables are most appropriate to evaluate foster care programs (foster, kinship, and professional families). This evaluation includes the children, their foster families, their families of origin, professionals, and foster care technicians. METHOD: The systematic review included randomized, quasi-randomized, longitudinal, and control group studies aimed at evaluating foster care interventions. RESULTS: A total of 86 studies, 138 assessment instruments, 18 constructs, and 73 independent research teams were identified. CONCLUSIONS: (1) although the object of the evaluations was the children, the informants were usually the people in charge of their care; therefore, effort should be made to involve the children in a more participatory way; (2) psychosocial functioning, behavior, and parenting are transversal elements in most evaluations, while quality of life and coping are not sufficiently well incorporated; (3) practical instruments (brief and easy to apply and correct) that are widely used and carry scientific guarantees should be prioritized to ensure the comparability and reliability of the conclusions; and (4) progress should be made in the study of evaluation models for all forms of foster care, including foster, extended, and specialized families.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo es realizar una síntesis exhaustiva que contribuya a determinar qué instrumentos y variables son las más adecuadas para evaluar programas de acogimiento familiar (familias extensas, ajenas y profesionalizadas), incluyendo en esta evaluación a los niños, sus familias acogedoras, sus familias de origen y a los profesionales y técnicos del acogimiento familiar. Método: La revisión sistemática incluyó estudios aleatorizados, cuasialeatorizados, longitudinales y con grupo control dirigidos a evaluar intervenciones de acogimiento familiar. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 86 estudios, 138 instrumentos de evaluación, 18 constructos y 73 equipos de investigación independientes. CONCLUSIONES: (1) aunque el objeto de las evaluaciones sean los niños, habitualmente los informantes son las personas a cargo de sus cuidados, con lo que se debe hacer un esfuerzo por involucrarlos de forma más participativa; (2) el funcionamiento psicosocial, el comportamiento o la parentalidad son elementos transversales en la mayor parte de evaluaciones, sin embargo la calidad de vida y el afrontamiento no están suficientemente bien incorporados; (3) deben priorizarse instrumentos prácticos (breves y fáciles de aplicar y corregir), de amplio uso y con garantías científicas para asegurar la comparabilidad y fiabilidad de las conclusiones; (4) debe avanzarse en la investigación de modelos de evaluación en todas las modalidades de acogimiento familiar, ya sea en familias ajenas, extensas o especializadas.

Systematic Review of the Evaluation of Foster Care Programs / [Revisión sistemática sobre evaluación de programas de acogimiento familiar]

Objetive: The aim of this study was to conduct an exhaustive synthesis to determine which instruments and variables are most appropriate to evaluate foster care programs (foster, kinship, and professional families). This evaluation includes the children, their foster families, their families of origin, professionals, and foster care technicians. Method: The systematic review included randomized, quasi-randomized, longitudinal, and control group studies aimed at evaluating foster care interventions. Results: A total of 86 studies, 138 assessment instruments, 18 constructs, and 73 independent research teams were identified. Conclusions: (1) although the object of the evaluations was the children, the informants were usually the people in charge of their care; therefore, effort should be made to involve the children in a more participatory way; (2) psychosocial functioning, behavior, and parenting are transversal elements in most evaluations, while quality of life and coping are not sufficiently well incorporated; (3) practical instruments (brief and easy to apply and correct) that are widely used and carry scientific guarantees should be prioritized to ensure the comparability and reliability of the conclusions; and (4) progress should be made in the study of evaluation models for all forms of foster care, including foster, extended, and specialized families.(AU)

Objetivo: El objetivo es realizar una síntesis exhaustiva que contribuya a determinar qué instrumentos y variables son las más adecuadas para evaluar programas de acogimiento familiar (familias extensas, ajenas y profesionalizadas), incluyendo en esta evaluación a los niños, sus familias acogedoras, sus familias de origen y a los profesionales y técnicos del acogimiento familiar. Método: La revisión sistemática incluyó estudios aleatorizados, cuasialeatorizados, longitudinales y con grupo control dirigidos a evaluar intervenciones de acogimiento familiar. Resultados: Se identificaron 86 estudios, 138 instrumentos de evaluación, 18 constructos y 73 equipos de investigación independientes. Conclusiones: (1) aunque el objeto de las evaluaciones sean los niños, habitualmente los informantes son las personas a cargo de sus cuidados, con lo que se debe hacer un esfuerzo por involucrarlos de forma más participativa; (2) el funcionamiento psicosocial, el comportamiento o la parentalidad son elementos transversales en la mayor parte de evaluaciones, sin embargo la calidad de vida y el afrontamiento no están suficientemente bien incorporados; (3) deben priorizarse instrumentos prácticos (breves y fáciles de aplicar y corregir), de amplio uso y con garantías científicas para asegurar la comparabilidad y fiabilidad de las conclusiones; (4) debe avanzarse en la investigación de modelos de evaluación en todas las modalidades de acogimiento familiar, ya sea en familias ajenas, extensas o especializadas.(AU)

What do children say about seeking help in situations of gender-based violence? Different perspectives depending on whether they have experienced such situations or not.

BACKGROUND: As highlighted in recent studies, children could have a relevant role to play in seeking help in cases of gender-based violence at home, contributing to early detection and empowering them as rights holders and masters of their own lives. Notwithstanding, multiple obstacles to them doing so have been detected. OBJECTIVE: To find out expectations of help among children, seeking the differences between those who have experienced gender-based violence at home and those who have not, by gender and age. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 3664 schoolchildren from 8 to 18 years old (Meanage = 13.16, girls = 50.7 %, secondary school = 64.6 %, primary school = 35.4 %) in Catalonia (Spain). METHODS: Quantitative study. Children responded to an on-line questionnaire. Bivariate analysis and binary multiple logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Children would like to take an active role in seeking help, but were afraid of the consequences and did not know how, or who to ask. Older children and those who had experienced gender-based violence at home were less likely to ask for help (ß = -0.66, [-0.99 - -0.34], p < .001 and ß = -0.67, [-1.04 - -0.27], p < .001, respectively), and were less trusting of adults. CONCLUSIONS: In seeking help, children demand safe services, with clearly identifiable helpers available, able to protect them and their family. Training adults they can trust such as teachers is key. Educating children about what gender-based violence is and where they can seek help is also important.

Future Expectations of Adolescents Aging Out of Care in Brazil / Expectativas de futuro de los adolescentes que salen del cuidado institucional por edad en Brasil / Expectativas futuras de adolescentes que saem do acolhimento institucional por idade no Brasil

Expectations for the future of adolescents aging out of care have a determinant influence on short and long-term outcomes. In Brazil, care leavers experience the transition to adult life largely unsupported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the aspects that favor better future expectations of Brazilian adolescents who are aging out of care. The study participants were 190 male (55.8 %) and female (44.2 %) adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age (m= 15.92, sd= 1.00) from three Brazilian capitals. The discriminant analysis technique was used to identify profile characteristics that significantly distinguished two groups: adolescents with high and those with low expectations for the future. The results reveal that (1) the aspect that most contributes to the increase in future expectations is the perceived social support, (2) the greater the readiness to leave care and the satisfaction with life, the better the future expectations, and (3) participating in an employment-assistance program brought down the adolescents' future expectations. These results point to the importance of preparation to leave care, combining instrumental support with socio-emotional support and considering the adolescents as the protagonists of their process and plans.

Las expectativas futuras de los adolescentes que dejan los centros de acogida con 18 años tienen una influencia determinante en los resultados que alcanzarán a corto y largo plazo. En Brasil, la mayoría de jóvenes que salen de los centros de acogida con 18 años transitan a la edad adulta sin ningún tipo de apoyo. Por ello, en este artículo apuntamos a investigar los aspectos que favorecen mejores expectativas de futuro en adolescentes brasileños que están a punto de salir de los centros de acogida por haber llegado a la mayoría de edad. Los participantes del estudio fueron 190 adolescentes de ambos sexos (44.2 % niñas y 55.8 % niños), entre 14 y 18 años (m= 15.92, de = 1.00), de tres ciudades capitales brasileñas. Se utilizó la técnica de análisis discriminante para identificar características de perfil que distinguieron significativamente dos grupos: adolescentes con altas expectativas y adolescentes con bajas expectativas de futuro. Los resultados revelan que (1) el aspecto que más contribuye al aumento de dichas expectativas es el apoyo social percibido, (2) cuanto mayor sea la percepción de preparación para dejar el centro de acogida y la satisfacción con la vida, mejores serán las expectativas, y (3) participar en un programa nacional de inserción laboral disminuye las expectativas de futuro de los adolescentes. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de preparar a estos jóvenes para la transición a la edad adulta, al combinar el apoyo instrumental con el socioemocional, y considerando a los adolescentes protagonistas de sus procesos y planes futuros.

As expectativas futuras dos adolescentes que saem dos centros de acolhimento aos 18 anos têm uma influência importante nos resultados alcançados por eles a curto e longo prazo. No Brasil, a maioria dos jovens que saem dos centros de acolhimento aos 18 anos transitam para a vida adulta sem nenhum tipo de apoio. Portanto, bus-camos investigar quais aspectos favorecem melhores perspectivas de futuro em adolescentes brasileiros que estão prestes a deixar os abrigos por já serem maiores de idade. Os participantes do estudo foram 190 ado-lescentes entre 14 e 18 anos (m = 15.92, dp = 1.00), de ambos os sexos (44.2 % meninas e 55.8 % meninos) de três capitais brasileiras. A técnica de análise discri-minante foi utilizada para identificar características de perfil que distinguissem significativamente dois grupos: adolescentes com altas expectativas para o futuro e adolescentes com baixas expectativas para o futuro. Os resultados revelam que: (1) o aspecto que mais contribui para o aumento das expectativas futuras é o suporte social percebido; (2) quanto maior a percepção de preparação para deixar o centro de acolhida e a satis-fação com a vida, melhores são as expectativas futuras; e (3) participar de um programa nacional de colocação profissional reduz as expectativas dos adolescentes para o futuro. Esses resultados apontam para a importância de preparar esses jovens para a transição para a vida adulta, aliando o apoio instrumental ao apoio socioemocional e considerando os adolescentes como protagonistas de seus processos e planos futuros.

The views of children in residential care on the COVID-19 lockdown: Implications for and their well-being and psychosocial intervention.

BACKGROUND: Recent international research has warned of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on vulnerable children. However, little is known regarding the in-care population. OBJECTIVE: To find out how children in residential care perceived the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown in their everyday life, relationships and subjective well-being. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 856 children from 10 to 17 years old (Mage = 15.5, males = 71.2%, females = 28.8%) living in residential centres in Catalonia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Children responded to an on-line questionnaire administered between June and July 2020. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used comparing the answers by sex. RESULTS: Better relationships with caregivers (ß = 9.156, [4.089-14.22], r2 = 0.244, p < .01) and having a person of trust (ß = 4.588, [2.041-7.134], r2 = 0.244, p < .01) were found to be relevant for children's subjective well-being. For girls, improving their grades (ß = 14.86, [8.560-21.15], r2 = 0.234, p < .01) were relevant while boys' subjective well-being was significantly affected by an increase in use of social networks (ß = 8.917, [2.733-15.10], r2 = 0.234, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A gender perspective is needed to help girls in situations of vulnerability. We should continue to listen to children's opinions, giving them the opportunity to participate in improving the children's home and its immediate environment and ensuring they have access to stable adult role models.

Fatores Protetivos e de Risco na Transição entre o Acolhimento Institucional e a Vida Adulta / Protective and Risk Factors During Transition from Care to Independent Living / Factores Protectores y de Riesgo en la Transición entre Hogares de Acogida y la Vida Adulta

Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar os fatores de proteção e de risco envolvidos no processo de transição entre o acolhimento institucional e a vida adulta. Participaram 13 jovens entre 18 e 24 anos, de ambos os sexos, egressos do sistema de proteção da cidade de Curitiba, no sul do Brasil. Cinco cuidadores também participaram, representando cada uma das unidades de acolhimento de onde os jovens provieram. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade e submetidos à análise temática. Os temas e subtemas identificados dentro de dois eixos temáticos (fatores de proteção e fatores de risco) atravessam diferentes níveis contextuais e revelam um desequilíbrio que dificulta o processo de transição. Conclui-se que, além da maior observância às políticas e diretrizes já existentes, é necessário formular programas novos e específicos para esses jovens, alicerçados na concepção de que eles próprios devem ser os protagonistas de suas trajetórias. (AU)

The study aimed to identify protective and risk factors involved in the transition process from residential care to independent living. Participants were 13 young people from 18 to 24 years old, man and women, who aged out of care in the city of Curitiba, south of Brazil. A total of five caregivers also participated, each representing one of the residential centers where those young people used to live. Data were collected with in depth semi structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. The themes and subthemes, identified in two thematic axes (protective factors and risk factors), permeate different contexts and disclose an imbalance that hinders the transition process. We conclude that, in addition to compliance of existing social policies, it is necessary to create new and specific programs for young people aging out of care, based on a youth-centered approach. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo identificar los factores de protección y de riesgo implicados en el proceso de transición entre el acogimiento institucional y la vida adulta. Participaron 13 jóvenes entre 18 e 24 años, de ambos sexos, egresados del sistema de protección de la ciudad de Curitiba, en el sur de Brasil. Cinco cuidadores también participaron, representando cada uno de los hogares de acogida donde vivieron esos jóvenes. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de entrevistas en profundidad y sometidos a análisis temático. Los temas y subtemas, identificados dentro de dos ejes temáticos (factores de protección y factores de riesgo), atraviesan distintos niveles contextuales y demuestran un desequilibrio que dificulta el proceso de transición. Se concluye que, además de cumplir las políticas y directrices ya existentes, es necesario formular programas nuevos y específicos para esta población, considerando que los propios jóvenes deben ser los protagonistas de sus trayectorias. (AU)

The subjective well-being of children in kinship care.

BACKGROUND: Studying the subjective well-being (SWB) of children in out-of-home care is becoming important. However, there is a lack of results on the subjective well-being of children in kinship care. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the subjective well-being of children at the age of 12 years old in kinship and residential care and in the general population, taking into account gender differences. METHOD: We administered the questionnaire used in the International Survey of Children's Well-Being (ISCWeB) including two psychometric scales (OLS and PWI-SC). RESULTS: The results showed differences in overall SWB scores (using PWI-SC as a SWB indicator) and in its components among the three groups: children in kinship care scores were more similar to those from the general population. The PWI-SC displayed good fit statistics with the pooled sample and good comparability with the Multi-group SEM with constrained loadings and intercepts, suggesting it was acceptable for comparing correlation, regressions and mean scores of the items. Gender appeared to have statistically significant effects on the OLS scale, showing lower scores for girls in residential care. CONCLUSIONS: Supporting kinship appropriately and taking into account gender issues are the challenges facing public policies for children in care.

[Peer violence, school environment and developmental contexts: its effects on well-being]. / Violência entre pares, clima escolar e contextos de desenvolvimento: suas implicações no bem-estar.

The scope of this study is to analyze the implications of peer violence in the school context, the school environment and the perceived developmental contexts on the subjective well-being of children and adolescents. The sample is comprised of 910 students in Years 6 and 7 of primary school in 27 urban and rural public and private schools in Ceará. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study and the following tools were used: scales measuring victimization and aggression among peers and the school environment; three indices on perceptions of developmental contexts (home, school, neighborhood); and three well-being scales (Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, Personal Well-being Index and Single item on Overall Life Satisfaction). Data were analyzed using multivariate variance analysis, with a significance level below 0, 01. Results indicate that bullying, alone or in interaction with the variables analyzed, is the variable that has the greatest impact on the well-being of the population studied, whereby those involved in bullying have the lowest well-being averages. Low levels of perception regarding the contexts of home, school and neighborhood and the school environment, as well as attending a public school and/or living in rural areas, are all also associated with low subjective well-being.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as implicações da violência entre pares no contexto escolar, do clima escolar e da percepção dos contextos de desenvolvimento no bem-estar subjetivo de crianças e adolescentes. A amostra é composta por 910 estudantes do 6º e 7º ano do ensino fundamental, de 27 escolas, públicas e privadas, urbanas e rurais do Ceará. Trata-se de um estudo transversal quantitativo que utilizou os instrumentos escala de vitimização e agressão entre pares e de clima escolar; três índices de percepção dos contextos de desenvolvimento (casa, escola, bairro); três escalas de bem-estar (satisfação com a vida para estudantes, índice de bem-estar pessoal e item único de satisfação com a vida) para coleta de dados. Os dados passaram por análise de variância multivariada com nível de significância não superior a 0,01. Os resultados indicam que a tipologia bullying, isoladamente ou em interação com as variáveis analisadas, é a que mais impacto exerce sobre o bem-estar da população estudada, sendo os envolvidos os que apresentam as menores médias de bem-estar. Níveis baixos de percepção dos contextos casa, escola, bairro, e do clima escolar, bem como estudar em escola pública e/ou morar em zona rural, estão igualmente associados a bem-estar subjetivo baixo.

Violência entre pares, clima escolar e contextos de desenvolvimento: suas implicações no bem-estar / Peer violence, school environment and developmental contexts: its effects on well-being

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as implicações da violência entre pares no contexto escolar, do clima escolar e da percepção dos contextos de desenvolvimento no bem-estar subjetivo de crianças e adolescentes. A amostra é composta por 910 estudantes do 6º e 7º ano do ensino fundamental, de 27 escolas, públicas e privadas, urbanas e rurais do Ceará. Trata-se de um estudo transversal quantitativo que utilizou os instrumentos escala de vitimização e agressão entre pares e de clima escolar; três índices de percepção dos contextos de desenvolvimento (casa, escola, bairro); três escalas de bem-estar (satisfação com a vida para estudantes, índice de bem-estar pessoal e item único de satisfação com a vida) para coleta de dados. Os dados passaram por análise de variância multivariada com nível de significância não superior a 0,01. Os resultados indicam que a tipologia bullying, isoladamente ou em interação com as variáveis analisadas, é a que mais impacto exerce sobre o bem-estar da população estudada, sendo os envolvidos os que apresentam as menores médias de bem-estar. Níveis baixos de percepção dos contextos casa, escola, bairro, e do clima escolar, bem como estudar em escola pública e/ou morar em zona rural, estão igualmente associados a bem-estar subjetivo baixo.

Abstract The scope of this study is to analyze the implications of peer violence in the school context, the school environment and the perceived developmental contexts on the subjective well-being of children and adolescents. The sample is comprised of 910 students in Years 6 and 7 of primary school in 27 urban and rural public and private schools in Ceará. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study and the following tools were used: scales measuring victimization and aggression among peers and the school environment; three indices on perceptions of developmental contexts (home, school, neighborhood); and three well-being scales (Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, Personal Well-being Index and Single item on Overall Life Satisfaction). Data were analyzed using multivariate variance analysis, with a significance level below 0, 01. Results indicate that bullying, alone or in interaction with the variables analyzed, is the variable that has the greatest impact on the well-being of the population studied, whereby those involved in bullying have the lowest well-being averages. Low levels of perception regarding the contexts of home, school and neighborhood and the school environment, as well as attending a public school and/or living in rural areas, are all also associated with low subjective well-being.

Children's Experiences of Bullying Victimization and the Influence on Their Subjective Well-Being: A Multinational Comparison.

The study used data from the second wave of the Children's Worlds Survey to explore the relation between children's experiences of bullying victimization (physical and psychological) and their subjective well-being (SWB) across three age groups (8, 10, and 12) and 15 global geographical regions. The sample consists of 47,029 children randomly selected from 15 countries. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. The results show appropriate fit structure for the overall model, and that the combined influence of physical and psychological bullying made a significant contribution to SWB across age groups and geographical regions. The findings are interpreted using Cummins's (1995) Homeostasis Theory of SWB.

Transição entre o Acolhimento e a Vida Adulta: Uma Revisão Sistemática sobre Intervenções / Transición entre el Acogimiento y la Vida Adulta: Una Revisión Sistemática sobre Programas de Intervención / Transition from Care to Adulthood: A Systematic Review of Intervention Programs

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi mapear a produção científica dos últimos dez anos no que se refere a programas de intervenção para favorecer o processo de emancipação de adolescentes que deixam o sistema de proteção por motivo de maioridade. Através de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, foram selecionados 20 artigos indexados nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), PubMed, PsycINFO, Pro Quest Psychology Journals e Web of Science. Prevaleceram os estudos norte-americanos, de delineamen to quantitativo tanto longitudinal quanto transversal. Os estudos avaliaram os programas de intervenção através de análises do processo (15), efeito (15) e impacto (2). Os programas variaram em formato (moradia, pontuais e contínuos); conteúdo oferecido (habilidades para a vida independente, educação, trabalho) e método utilizado (participativo ou passivo). Além de analisar as fortalezas e fraquezas de cada programa, o artigo discute a importância dos processos avaliativos para a prática e avanço científico. Conclui-se que para favorecer o processo de transição os programas devem ter duração continuada; aliar treinamento em habilidades para a vida independente com acompanhamento sócio emocional e inserção comunitária; respeitar as diferenças individuais dos participantes e considerá-los como agentes ativos na tomada de decisões.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo fue revisar la producción científica de los últimos diez años sobre programas de intervención para favorecer la emancipación de adolescentes que dejan el sistema de protección por mayoridad. A través de una revisión sistemática, fueron seleccionados 20 artículos en las bases de datos Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), PubMed, PsycINFO, Pro Quest Psychology Journals y Web of Science. La mayoría de los estudios fueron realizados en Norteamérica con diseño cuantitativo longitudinal o transversal. Los estudios evaluaron programas a través de análisis del proceso (15), efecto (15) e impacto (2). Los programas eran distintos en su forma (vivienda, de corto o largo plazo); contenido (habilidades para la vida independiente, educación, trabajo) y método (con diferentes niveles de participación). Además de analizar fortalezas y debilidades de cada programa, se discute la importancia de la evaluación para la práctica profesional y avance científico. Se concluye que, para favorecer el proceso de transición, los programas deben tener como características: duración continuada; combinar entrenamiento en habilidades de vida independiente con apoyo socioemocional e inserción comunitaria; considerar las diferencias individuales y culturales de los participantes y reconocerlos como capaces de tomar sus decisiones.

Abstract The objective of this study was to map the scientific production of the last decade on intervention programs to favor the emancipation of youth leaving the protection system after turning 18 years old. Twenty articles were selected through a systematic review of literature. These articles were indexed in the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), PubMed, PsycINFO, Pro Quest Psychology Journals and Web of Science. The majority of the articles were written in North America, using either longitudinal or transversal quantitative design. The studies evaluated the interventions using three types of evaluation design: process (15), effect (15) and impact (2). The programs differed in type (housing, short-term and or long-term); content (independent life skills, education and work); and method (different degrees of participation). Besides exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each intervention program, this article discusses the relevance of the evaluation processes to scientific advance in this field. As a conclusion, it is argued that to favor the transition process the intervention should have the following characteristics: in long-term basis; combine independent life skills with emotional, social and community support; to consider participants individual and cultural differences as well as their capability of making decisions.

Out-of-home care for children at-risk in Israel and in Spain: current lessons and future challenges / La acogida a niños en riesgo de separación familiar en Israel y en España: lecciones actuales y retos futuros

This article compares the out-of-home care (OOHC) systems for children at-risk in Spain and Israel. Both countries share a strong tradition of placing children at-risk mainly in large residential care settings rather than familial solutions, and both face the challenge of the deinstitutionalization of care, including the tendency to substitute family-based solutions for institutional care. This article follows the historical development and current status of out-of-home care systems, as well as the main research contributions on these topics in both nations, revealing a great similarity. Both countries share a Mediterranean culture, in which the family ties are dominant in providing personal and social well-being. The strong family ties are assumed to be related to the slower consolidation of foster family care as an alternative for out-of-home placement. In Spain it has led to a high prevalence of kinship foster care, while in Israel this has led to high use of residential care settings. The challenges Spain and Israel face given this structure of public child care are discussed

Este artículo compara los sistemas de separación familiar de niños en riesgo en España e Israel. Ambos países comparten una fuerte tradición de dejar a los niños en riesgo principalmente en grandes ispositivos asistenciales residenciales en vez de recurrir a soluciones familiares; ambos hacen frente al reto de la desinstitucionalización de la asistencia, así como la tendencia a sustituir las soluciones centradas en la familia por la acogida institucional. Este artículo sigue el desarrollo histórico y el estado actual de los sistemas de separación familiar y las principales aportaciones de la investigación principal sobre estos temas en ambos países, que muestran una gran semejanza. Ambos países comparten la cultura mediterránea, en la que predominan los lazos familiares en la prestación del bienestar personal y social. Se supone que la fortaleza de estos lazos familiares tiene que ver con la lenta consolidación del acogimiento en una familia como alternativa a la separación familiar. En España esto ha dado lugar a una elevada prevalencia del acogimiento en la familia extensa, mientras que en Israel se han utilizado dispositivos de acogida residencial. Se discuten los retos que afrontan España e Israel ante esta estructura de acogida infantil pública

[Psychosocial stressors, sense of community, and subjective wellbeing in children and adolescents in urban and rural areas in Northeast Brazil]. / Estressores psicossociais, senso de comunidade e bem-estar subjetivo em crianças e adolescentes de zonas urbanas e rurais do Nordeste do Brasil.

The study's overall objective was to investigate the relationship between psychosocial stressors, sense of community, and subjective wellbeing in urban and rural schoolchildren in Northeast Brazil, focusing on differences according to territorial context. The sample consisted of 757 participants, 495 from urban schools and 262 from rural schools, enrolled in the 6th and 7th grades (9 to 18 years of age) in 21 municipal and state public schools, of which 13 urban and 8 rural, in 7 municipalities (counties) in Ceará State, Brazil. The study instruments were inventory of stressful events, scale of life satisfaction for students, index of sense of community, and satisfaction indices by life domains (family, material goods, relations, neighborhood/zone, health, time, school, and personal). The results indicate that socioeconomically underprivileged public schoolchildren from urban areas are more exposed to daily stress and score lower on satisfaction in specific domains of life and on sense of community. This latter is an important indicator for evaluating wellbeing in this young population.

Estressores psicossociais, senso de comunidade e bem-estar subjetivo em crianças e adolescentes de zonas urbanas e rurais do Nordeste do Brasil / Psychosocial stressors, sense of community, and subjective wellbeing in children and adolescents in urban and rural areas in Northeast Brazil / Estresores psicosociales, sentido de comunidad y bienestar subjetivo en niños y adolescentes de zonas urbanas y rurales del Nordeste de Brasil

Resumo: O objetivo geral do estudo é investigar a relação existente entre eventos estressores cotidianos, senso de comunidade e bem-estar subjetivo em alunos de escolas urbanas e rurais do Nordeste do Brasil, focando nas diferenças por contexto territorial. A amostra está formada por 757 participantes, 495 alunos de escolas urbanas e 262 de escolas rurais, dos 6o e 7o anos (9 a 18 anos) de 21 escolas públicas municipais e estaduais, 13 urbanas e 8 rurais, de 7 municípios do Ceará, Brasil. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: inventário de eventos estressores, escala de satisfação com a vida para estudantes, índice de senso de comunidade e oito índices de satisfação por âmbitos da vida (família, bens materiais, relações, bairro/zona, saúde, tempo, escola, pessoal). Os resultados indicam que os alunos das escolas públicas (desfavorecidos socioeconomicamente) de contextos urbanos estão mais expostos ao estresse cotidiano, pontuam mais baixo em satisfação com âmbitos específicos da vida e senso de comunidade, sendo este último um indicador importante na avaliação do bem-estar da população estudada.

Abstract: The study's overall objective was to investigate the relationship between psychosocial stressors, sense of community, and subjective wellbeing in urban and rural schoolchildren in Northeast Brazil, focusing on differences according to territorial context. The sample consisted of 757 participants, 495 from urban schools and 262 from rural schools, enrolled in the 6th and 7th grades (9 to 18 years of age) in 21 municipal and state public schools, of which 13 urban and 8 rural, in 7 municipalities (counties) in Ceará State, Brazil. The study instruments were inventory of stressful events, scale of life satisfaction for students, index of sense of community, and satisfaction indices by life domains (family, material goods, relations, neighborhood/zone, health, time, school, and personal). The results indicate that socioeconomically underprivileged public schoolchildren from urban areas are more exposed to daily stress and score lower on satisfaction in specific domains of life and on sense of community. This latter is an important indicator for evaluating wellbeing in this young population.

Resumen: El objetivo general del estudio es investigar la relación existente entre eventos estresores cotidianos, sentido de comunidad y bienestar subjetivo, en alumnos de escuelas urbanas y rurales del nordeste de Brasil, centrándose en las diferencias por contexto territorial. La muestra está formada por 757 participantes, 495 alumnos de escuelas urbanas y 262 de escuelas rurales, del 6o y 7o año (9 a 18 años) de 21 escuelas públicas municipales y estatales, 13 urbanas y 8 rurales, de 7 municipios de Ceará, Brasil. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: inventario de eventos estresores, escala de satisfacción con la vida para estudiantes, índice de sentido de comunidad y ocho índices de satisfacción por ámbitos de la vida (familia, bienes materiales, relaciones, barrio/zona, salud, tiempo, escuela, personal). Los resultados indican que los alumnos de las escuelas públicas (desfavorecidos socioeconómicamente) de contextos urbanos están más expuestos al estrés cotidiano, puntúan más bajo en satisfacción con ámbitos específicos de la vida y sentido de comunidad, siendo este último un indicador importante en la evaluación del bienestar de la población estudiada.

Jóvenes que estuvieron en el sistema de protección social a la infancia: Reflexiones a partir de una investigación realizada en Girona, España / Young people who were in the child protection system: reflections from a study done in Girona, Spain

Los estudios sobre la atención residencial en España son aún escasos a pesar de la importancia de este recurso. Se presenta una investigación realizada con metodología cualitativa, que analiza la situación vivida por jóvenes que pasaron por centros residenciales de la provincia de Girona (1994-2002), a partir de sus opiniones y percepciones expresadas en una entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados obtenidos, agrupados en subcategorías, muestran su desconocimiento del motivo del ingreso en el centro y cambios posteriores, a la vez que reconocen que fue mejor entrar en el centro que permanecer en casa, y apuntan insuficientes apoyos para la transición a la vida adulta. Supone implicaciones a nivel de políticas de infancia y juventud y para la práctica profesional e investigadora.(AU)

Research on residential care is still scarce despite its high implementation in Spain. This article presents the results of a research using qualitative methods. The study analyses the situation experienced by young people who lived in foster care in the province of Girona (1994 - 2002) based on their opinions and perceptions expressed in a semi-structured interview. The results, clustered into subcategories, show lack of knowledge about the reasons why they needed foster care, if it was better being there than staying with their parents, and the lack of support for transition to adulthood. The study shows implications for children and youth policies, professional practice and research.(AU)

Jóvenes que estuvieron en el sistema de protección social a la infancia. Reflexiones a partir de una investigación realizada en Girona, España / Young people who were in the child protection system: reflections from a study done in Girona, Spain

Los estudios sobre la atención residencial en España son aún escasos a pesar de la importancia de este recurso. Se presenta una investigación realizada con metodología cualitativa, que analiza la situación vivida por jóvenes que pasaron por centros residenciales de la provincia de Girona (1994-2002), a partir de sus opiniones y percepciones expresadas en una entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados obtenidos, agrupados en subcategorías, muestran su desconocimiento del motivo del ingreso en el centro y cambios posteriores, a la vez que reconocen que fue mejor entrar en el centro que permanecer en casa, y apuntan insuficientes apoyos para la transición a la vida adulta. Supone implicaciones a nivel de políticas de infancia y juventud y para la práctica profesional e investigadora.

Research on residential care is still scarce despite its high implementation in Spain. This article presents the results of a research using qualitative methods. The study analyses the situation experienced by young people who lived in foster care in the province of Girona (1994 - 2002) based on their opinions and perceptions expressed in a semi-structured interview. The results, clustered into subcategories, show lack of knowledge about the reasons why they needed foster care, if it was better being there than staying with their parents, and the lack of support for transition to adulthood. The study shows implications for children and youth policies, professional practice and research.

El bienestar subjetivo en la adolescencia: Estudio comparativo de dos Comunidades Autónomas en España / Adolescents’ subjective well-being: A comparative study between two Autonomous Communities in Spain

Se analiza la comparabilidad interlingüística e intercultural del bienestar subjetivo durante la adolescencia, a partir de dos muestras de Asturias y de Cataluña de entre 15 y 18 años. Se utilizan como indicadores psicosociales de bienestar tres escalas: La SWLS de Diener, Emmons, Larsen y Smith (1985), escala libre de contexto (context free), el PWI de Cummins, Eckersley, van Pallant, Vugt y Misajon (2003), que evalúa el bienestar personal por ámbitos, y una escala de ítem único sobre satisfacción global con la vida (Overall Life Satisfaction = OLS).Utilizando modelos de Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, el PWI muestra un buen ajuste para ambas muestras, avalando la comparabilidad de los resultados entre ambas poblaciones. Sus puntuaciones globales resultan más altas entre los adolescentes asturianos que entre los catalanes, igual que la OLS. La SWLS muestra un mal ajuste con los términos constantes restringidos, que añadido al hecho que el alpha de Cronbach aumentaría si el ítem 5 fuera suprimido, abunda en la idea que esta escala funciona de manera distinta en contextos socio-culturales diferentes y mantiene abiertas las dudas sobre si es apropiada su utilización como instrumento comparativo entre poblaciones de características lingüísticas y/o socioculturales distintas (AU)

In two samples of 15 to 18 year-olds adolescents from Asturias and Catalonia inter-linguistic and intercultural comparability of subjective well-being is analysed. Three scales have been used as psychosocial indicators of well-being: The SWLS of Diener, Emmons, Larsen y Smith (1985), a context free scale, the PWI of Cummins, Eckersley, van Pallant, Vugt y Misajon (2003), which evaluates personal well-being based on life domains, and a single-item scale on Overall Life Satisfaction (OLS).Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis models, the PWI shows good fit for both samples, supporting the comparability of results between the two populations. Overall scores are higher among Asturian adolescents than among Catalan’s, like OLS. The SWLS shows bad fit when intercepts are restricted. That fact, added to that Cronbach alpha would increase if item 5 is deleted, gives support to the idea that this scale functions differently in diverse sociocultural contexts. These results raise doubts about its appropriateness as comparative instrument to be used with populations with different linguistic and/or sociocultural characteristics (AU)

Bem-estar pessoal de pais e filhos e seus valores aspirados / Personal well-being of parents and children and their aspirated values / Bienestar personal de padres e hijos y sus valores aspirados

O bem-estar pessoal de adolescentes é um tema de crescente interesse na literatura científica, especialmente quando se considera a escassez de artigos que considerem o ponto de vista dos adolescentes. Este estudo busca analisar relações entre bem-estar pessoal de pais e filhos e seus valores aspirados. A amostra compõe-se de 543 adolescentes de 12 a 16 anos, de ambos os sexos, e seus pais ou responsáveis. Utilizam-se os instrumentos Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) para medir níveis de bem-estar, e Aspiration Index para identificar valores aspirados. Obteve-se uma função discriminante entre pais e filhos agrupando significativamente as variáveis de bem-estar pessoal discriminando a favor dos filhos, e as variáveis de valores de caráter abstrato e humanista discriminando a favor dos pais, sem apresentar diferenças entre os de valores materiais e de habilidades e conhecimentos. Os resultados contribuem para a discussão sobre a transmissão de valores e do bem-estar em contexto familiar.(AU)

The personal well-being of adolescents is a subject of growing interest in the scientific literature, especially considering the scarcity of articles that consider adolescent's points of view. This study aims to analyze the relationships between personal well-being of parents and children and their aspirated values. The sample consists of 543 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, of both sexes, and their parents or guardians. The Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) is used to measure personal well-being, while the Aspiration Index is used to measure aspired values of both groups. A discriminant function was obtained between parents and children gathering the personal wellbeing variables significantly towards children, and gathering the variables of humanistic values discriminate in favor of parents, without differentiating material values, skill and knowledge's values. These results contribute to the discussion on the transmission of values and well-being in the family context.(AU)

El bienestar personal de los adolescentes constituye un tema de creciente interés en la literatura científica, sobre todo cuando se tiene en cuenta el reducido número de artículos que tiene consideran el punto de vista de los adolescentes. Este estudio busca analizar relaciones entre el bienestar personal de padres y hijos y sus valores aspirados. La muestra se compone de 543 adolescentes escolarizados de ambos sexos, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 16 años y sus padres de ambos sexos entre 27 y 70 años. Se utiliza la escala de Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) para medir los niveles de bienestar, y el Aspiration Index para identificar los valores aspirados por ambos grupos. Se obtuvo una función discriminante entre padres e hijos reuniendo significativamente las variables de bienestar personal a favor de los hijos y las variables de valores de carácter abstracto y humanista a favor de los padres, sin diferenciar los valores materiales, las habilidades y el conocimiento. Los resultados contribuyen a la discusión sobre la transmisión de valores y el bienestar en el contexto familiar.(AU)

Bem-estar pessoal de pais e filhos e seus valores aspirados / Personal well-being of parents and children and their aspirated values / Bienestar personal de padres e hijos y sus valores aspirados

O bem-estar pessoal de adolescentes é um tema de crescente interesse na literatura científica, especialmente quando se considera a escassez de artigos que considerem o ponto de vista dos adolescentes. Este estudo busca analisar relações entre bem-estar pessoal de pais e filhos e seus valores aspirados. A amostra compõe-se de 543 adolescentes de 12 a 16 anos, de ambos os sexos, e seus pais ou responsáveis. Utilizam-se os instrumentos Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) para medir níveis de bem-estar, e Aspiration Index para identificar valores aspirados. Obteve-se uma função discriminante entre pais e filhos agrupando significativamente as variáveis de bem-estar pessoal discriminando a favor dos filhos, e as variáveis de valores de caráter abstrato e humanista discriminando a favor dos pais, sem apresentar diferenças entre os de valores materiais e de habilidades e conhecimentos. Os resultados contribuem para a discussão sobre a transmissão de valores e do bem-estar em contexto familiar

The personal well-being of adolescents is a subject of growing interest in the scientific literature, especially considering the scarcity of articles that consider adolescent's points of view. This study aims to analyze the relationships between personal well-being of parents and children and their aspirated values. The sample consists of 543 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, of both sexes, and their parents or guardians. The Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) is used to measure personal well-being, while the Aspiration Index is used to measure aspired values of both groups. A discriminant function was obtained between parents and children gathering the personal wellbeing variables significantly towards children, and gathering the variables of humanistic values discriminate in favor of parents, without differentiating material values, skill and knowledge's values. These results contribute to the discussion on the transmission of values and well-being in the family context

El bienestar personal de los adolescentes constituye un tema de creciente interés en la literatura científica, sobre todo cuando se tiene en cuenta el reducido número de artículos que tiene consideran el punto de vista de los adolescentes. Este estudio busca analizar relaciones entre el bienestar personal de padres y hijos y sus valores aspirados. La muestra se compone de 543 adolescentes escolarizados de ambos sexos, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 16 años y sus padres de ambos sexos entre 27 y 70 años. Se utiliza la escala de Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) para medir los niveles de bienestar, y el Aspiration Index para identificar los valores aspirados por ambos grupos. Se obtuvo una función discriminante entre padres e hijos reuniendo significativamente las variables de bienestar personal a favor de los hijos y las variables de valores de carácter abstracto y humanista a favor de los padres, sin diferenciar los valores materiales, las habilidades y el conocimiento. Los resultados contribuyen a la discusión sobre la transmisión de valores y el bienestar en el contexto familiar

Factors affecting foster care breakdown in Spain.

Breakdown of foster care has been defined as the situation in which one of the involved parties terminates the intervention before having achieved the goals established for the case plan. This work presents a study carried out with a Spanish sample of 318 closed cases of children who were placed in foster homes and kinship care. The data were collected through the exhaustive review of the child protection and foster placement files, complemented with interviews of the welfare workers in charge of each case. The rate of breakdown of the entire sample was 26.1%, although it was significantly different in kinship care (19.7%) and foster care (31.2%). The results of this study indicate that the variables related to breakdown depend on the placement modality, either in foster care or kinship care. In the first case, the variables related to the child's characteristics are noteworthy, especially behavior and academic problems, with special relevance in the 9-12-year-old group, and in children who were previously in residential care. In contrast, in kinship care, the parents' problems (prison, mental health) and having some measure of guardianship are the most important. The fact of undergoing foster placement after having lived in various residential homes is transcendental. Lastly, the availability of economic resources and even the foster carers' studies seem to be related to foster breakdown.