Journal article 504 views 150 downloads
The socio-ecology of child institutionalisation and foster care in Souss Massa, Morocco: a qualitative study
,
Ashra Khanom,
Mary Elizabeth Rauktis,
Abdellah Soussi,
Helen Snooks
Child Protection and Practice, Volume: 5, Start page: 100192
Swansea University Authors:
Fadi Baghdadi, Ann John , Ashra Khanom, Helen Snooks
-
PDF | Version of Record
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This is an open access article under the CC BY license.
Download (5.24MB)
DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.chipro.2025.100192
Abstract
Background: The high number of children living in institutions in Morocco is driven by complex socio-economic, cultural, and historical factors, with limited alternative care and research to inform interventions. Objective: To understand the socio-ecological factors contributing to child institution...
| Published in: | Child Protection and Practice |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2950-1938 |
| Published: |
Elsevier Inc.
2025
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69643 |
| Abstract: |
Background: The high number of children living in institutions in Morocco is driven by complex socio-economic, cultural, and historical factors, with limited alternative care and research to inform interventions. Objective: To understand the socio-ecological factors contributing to child institutionalisation and explore the potential for foster care as an alternative in the Souss Massa region of Morocco. Participants and setting: Nine boys and eight girls living in two institutions, and 10 fathers and 17 mothers of children at risk of entering institutions in the Souss Massa region of Morocco. Methods: A total of five focus groups with children and parents to explore the causes and consequences of institutionalisation and perceptions of foster care. Children created issue trees to facilitate focus group discussion. Data were coded and interpretated by a team of three researchers to extract meaningful insights and patterns. We used the socio-ecological model for analysis and to understand the interplay between family dynamics, economic conditions, societal norms, and cultural beliefs on child institutionalisation. Findings: Key drivers of institutionalisation include poverty, neglect, hostile home environments, family breakdown, and societal stigma. Despite some hesitancy, by children and parents, the concept of foster care emerged as a viable alternative. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for interventions at multiple ecological levels, including low-cost improvements to institutional care and transitional support, alongside broader legal reforms, the strengthening of social services, and community-based programmes. Foster care has potential as an alternative, but its success depends on legislation and active community engagement. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Child institutionalization; Child protection; Foster care; Morocco; Socio-ecological model; Qualitative research |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
This research was supported by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). |
| Start Page: |
100192 |