Home and family sense for children and adolescents in residential care: Evidence from Spain

Abstract

Residential care in Spain supports 16,365 individuals, yet the role of feeling like a family in their lives remains unexplored. How this perception affects their quality of life is investigated in this research. Two studies were conducted: (1) a qualitative analysis of 318 children and adolescents (3–17 years) identified factors contributing to feeling like a family; these factors involved performing activities, events and traditions, positive emotions, social relationships and the physical environment; (2) a subsequent quantitative study of 254 participants (5–19 years) used structured interviews and the KidScreen instrument, employing chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regressions. Feeling like part of a family stems from shared activities, affectionate relationships, privacy, fair rules, social bonds, acceptance of their situation, satisfaction with their institution, and age. This feeling correlates with better quality of life, suggesting that interventions should enhance factors that foster familial bonds. The results identify specific aspects for assessing and improving the care of these children and young people. In the current global debate about deinstitutionalization, maintaining these elements is highly important to preserver the quality of care.