Abstract:
This study contributes to existing, but limited research on institutional caregiving of
vulnerable children. Institutional caregiving is an organized goal directed activity
which occurs within a family-like system that aims to protect vulnerable children and
optimize their emotional, psychological and physical developmental needs. The
purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions that caregivers who work at
children’s homes have regarding their roles and responsibilities and thereby obtain
an insight into their day to day experiences while executing their responsibilities.
The primary research question that guided this study was: “How caregivers at
children’s home perceive their roles and responsibilities?”
A qualitative research approach was applied and it was guided by the interpretive
paradigm to gain subjective and perceived realities that caregivers have regarding
their roles and responsibilities. A case study research designed was used and a
total of eighteen caregivers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. A
focus group interview, a group collage and semi structured individual interviews
served as data collection methods for the study. The study used the roles dimension
of the McMaster Model of family functioning which is based on the System’s theory
as its theoretical framework.
Findings of the study were aligned with literature and revealed that the caregivers
perceived their fundamental roles and responsibilities as that of providing food,
shelter and a protective environment. Their perceived responsibilities also include
catering to the children’s emotional and health related requirements. It was
interesting to note that in addition to their perceived roles and responsibilities,
caregivers viewed their work environment as a child-focused environment and
expressed the need to be acknowledged as professionals, be empowered with more
caregiving skills, and be paid in accordance with their contribution. The study
recommends that the unique needs and pressures of institutional caregivers be
adequately studied and addressed in ways that will in turn facilitate quality
caregiving.
