Reasons for placing children in an orphanage.

This Master's thesis offers the insight into the problems of institutionalised upbringing of children in the Czech Republic. It consists of several parts. The theoretical part deals with family as a foundation in the child's life. Furthermore, it describes family dysfunction and possible upbringing options, either in a foster family environment or in an institution i.e. a children's home. The next chapter offers further particulars regarding institutionalised upbringing. We can find more detailed description of all professionals involved in the placement of children and decisions which type of upbringing is most suitable for them. In the theoretical part we can find further division of institutionalised upbringing options, depending on which ministerial departments are responsible. The practical part is based on a quality research with the help of half structured interview with children in family orientated children's home. The research was conducted in a real environment to achieve the most accurate result. The interviews were conducted between June and September 2017. Several questions were put to five children from five different family groups who were put into children's homes after the change of the Civil Code. The questions were geared mainly towards the biological family, reasons for placement into a children's home. The main aim was to ascertain the reasons for placement into a home with the changes of the law no 89/2012 being taken into consideration. My next objective was to determine if placements into children's homes are desirable and beneficial for their future upbringing. The interviews were copied word to word and analysed with the help of open coding and contrast technique. The conclusion of the research has determined that the Civil Code changes are not always beneficial for the child or the institution where the child is to be brought up. It was further determined that placements of children without their assessment in an appropriate institution is undesirable. The thesis could bring benefits to other professionals who actively participate in the placements of children into care. To achieve this quality research strategy has been chosen. The resource of the data received were half structured interviews with the children, their lawful guardians and the children's home director. Further details were obtained from the children's personal files. The conclusion of the thesis could be used as a tool when decisions regarding placements are made as this would benefit the child and be in his best interest. It could be used as a source for wider public and professionals alike