The life experiences of children in childcare institutions

Abstract

The study is aimed at understanding the life experiences of children living in childcare institutions and to gain insight into what impact these experiences have in their lives and everyday functioning. I also anticipate that findings of the study will make a contribution in the Department of Health and Social Development, social workers, childcare institutions and other stakeholders who work with children in order to plan and implement programs that will enhance the children’s lives. The research project will be qualitative in nature with the use of the interpretivist approach and the stigmatisation theory as its theoretical background. The study revealed that children in childcare institutions view their environment as normal besides the absence of their parents, there were mixed feelings however about whether they find it as pleasant or unpleasant. One thing that stood out and was positive for them being in a childcare institution was that they have access to privileges which they would not have access to if they were living with their families.