Child care institutions as quality family, surrogate (alternative) care services in Sri Lanka

Institutional care for children can be regarded as a form of alternative care that is provided in an organised manner, while keeping in mind the best interests and protection of the child. It is therefore imperative that this alternative care should respond to the physical, psychological, emotional, social, moral, ethical and spiritual needs of children in an age appropriate manner. Furthermore, these institutions should be managed and supervised by trained and motivated staff. But institutionalisation by its very nature leads to a more professional relationship between adults and the children rather than one that occurs in the more natural setting of parental care or a family. Given this, what emerges as most important is the quality of the care component. Quality care in such circumstances is defined as a form of developmentally appropriate care given by adult caregivers to children. This study aims to ascertain how best the children in such institutions can receive quality care, in accordance with their rights and needs and based on their age and particular vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it aims to highlight the gaps in the current system and makes suggestions moving forward. This study is mainly based on reflective accounts and information gathered to in-service training programmes conducted for welfare officers, field visits and supervision of probation officers, child protection officers and other child welfare officers operating in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. In addition, case studies of children as well as key informant interviews and reflections of the diploma programme on child protection were used. The results of this study indicated that institutional childcare is highly contextual to the cultural background of the area studied. They also demonstrated clearly the necessity to provide regular and improved professional support to enhance the quality of care through specified monitoring, regular supervision, and improved quality of training for caregivers.