Comparing the Success of Children's Homes and Detention Centres at Preparing Individuals for Life Outside an Institution

Comparing the Success of Children's Homes and Detention Centres at Preparing Individuals for Life Outside an Institution Ivana Gabaľová Bachelor's Thesis 3.1.2012 SOSP FSV UK Abstract In her thesis, the author discusses the situation of young adults after leaving institutional care, their level of social integration and ability to cope with independent life. She deals with the impact of environment on the socialization process, with the nature and extent of potential for a successful life these individuals posses from their family, and what the role of the institution in the process of their preparation for independent life is. The paper examines differences in the needs of clients of children's homes and detention centres and seeks to identify critical factors determining success in their personal lives and on the labour market. Expert interviews with staff of both of these types of institution conclude that differences between children's homes and detention centres in this regard are negligible. In detention centres there is a bigger emphasis on obedience due to problematic behaviour of the wards, whereas in children's homes, children have more freedom. In both groups, the most significant obstacle to success is the lack of independence and an unrealistic view of the world. Pivotal is also the distinction..