Budintys ir nuolatiniai globotojai Marijampolės savivaldybėje: atvejo studija

Abstract

In Marijampole, a system of foster and permanent carers has been established, but there is a shortage of families who can accept children, especially those over 10 years old, which leads many children to institutional care. This poses a serious threat to children’s well-being. The project aims to investigate the situation of foster and permanent carers in the Marijampole municipality, with particular focus on carers’ motivations, challenges they face, and the possibilities for ensuring continuity of family-based care. A mixed-methods approach will be applied in the research: a quantitative survey will help to assess the attitudes of Marijampole municipality residents towards childcare, while a qualitative study will provide deeper insight into the experiences of current and former carers. The results of the project will contribute to the improvement of care policies and the development of practical recommendations for the Marijampole Social Assistance Centre. The dissemination of results will include scientific publications, presentations at international and national conferences, involvement of regional information channels, and communication via social media, aiming to engage local residents, social workers, and the educational community. The project will also contribute to the update of social work study curricula and the development of childcare topics in academic and practical settings.