Family Vulnerability and the Socio-Educational Integration of Children in the Special Protection System

Autori:

Mihaela Ioana RUSU

Cod: ISSN: 1583-3410 (print), ISSN: 1584-5397 (electronic)
Dimensiuni: pp. 159-172

How to cite this article:

Rusu, M.I. (2026). Family Vulnerability and the Socio-Educational Integration of Children in the Special Protection System. Revista de Cercetare si Interventie Sociala, 94, 159-172, DOI: 10.33788/rcis.94.9

Abstract:

Child abandonment and separation from the family are complex social phenomena associated with the interaction of economic, family, relational and psycho-emotional vulnerabilities. This article analyses the socio-familial characteristics and socio-educational integration of 120 children in the special protection system in Bihor County, with reference to the institutional context of Felix Children's Home. The sample was divided into two equal subsamples: 60 children abandoned at birth and 60 children subsequently separated from their families. Data were collected using a standardised socio-psycho-educational assessment form, based on information from social case files and specialists’ assessments. The results indicate an accumulation of vulnerabilities: the main causes of separation were abuse (26 cases), family breakdown (22), poverty (19), parental migration (19), neglect (17) and domestic violence (17). A total of 89 children maintain a relationship with their biological family, 19 have weekly contact, and family reintegration was not possible for 61 children at the time of the research. Emotional and/or behavioural problems were identified in 84 children, learning difficulties in 65, and risk of school dropout in 72. The relationship with staff recorded the highest mean integration score (4.00/5), followed by the relationship with peers (3.88/5). The results support the need for a multidimensional intervention linking social protection with family, psychological and educational support.