ABSTRACT The process of transition in Estonia has been accompanied by a conflict between the desi... more ABSTRACT The process of transition in Estonia has been accompanied by a conflict between the desire to adopt Western models of welfare in terms of values, beliefs, and ideology, and the actual attitudes, habits, lifestyles, knowledge, and work skills inherited from the former Soviet system. How is the general process of transition reflected in the K. Special School, which has existed since the Soviet era? This article attempts to show what is going on at the institution, how 'new' and 'old' ideas and methods of operation that are used by staff coexist, and the consequences of that coexistence. In the totalitarian Soviet system, the institution under study was an organic part of the system. So far, the intention of combining welfare ideology with a total institution has not produced the expected results. To achieve real change, the institution should be thoroughly reorganized - it should cease to be a total institution. This is not only true for Estonia - studies on Western total institutions reach the same conclusion (see, for instance, Kelly 1992; Wardhaugh et al . 1993). The empirical data presented here were gathered in 1997 during fieldwork that formed part of an ethnographic research project.
Deutsch Jenseits der Rhetorik. Über die faktische Praxis des Kinderschutzes Helen Buckley Der Auf... more Deutsch Jenseits der Rhetorik. Über die faktische Praxis des Kinderschutzes Helen Buckley Der Aufsatz befaßt sich mit einer Studie über die Praxis des Kinderschutzes in einem irischen Gesundheitsamt. Unter Verwendung eines qualitativen Forschungsparadigmas wird versucht, die bestehende Wissenslücke über diesen Forschungsgegenstand zu füllen, indem illustriert wird, was Sozialarbeiter/innen in der Praxis des Kinderschutzes realiter tun. Es wird aufgezeigt, wie der normative Rahmen beschaffen ist, innerhalb dessen die Sozialarbeiter/innen, die über die Ernsthaftigkeit eines Falles entscheiden, überprüfen, ob eine Überweisung aufgrund eines angenommenen Mißbrauches stichhaltig oder unzutreffend ist. Hierbei wird die tiefe Kluft zwischen dem offiziellen Diskurs, wie er sich in prozeduralen Leitlinien darstellt und der tagtäglichen Realität der Praxis der Kinderschutzarbeit deutlich. Es wird analysiert, auf welche Weise sich hieraus Spielräume sowohl hinsichtlich der Anwendung moralischer Argumentationen, als auch für professionelle Ambivalenzen ergeben.
Inimkaubandus (eriti naiste ja lastega kaubitsemine) on muutunud globaalse levikuga nähtuseks. Sa... more Inimkaubandus (eriti naiste ja lastega kaubitsemine) on muutunud globaalse levikuga nähtuseks. Samal ajal, kui kaubitsejad ja organiseeritud kuritegelikud sündikaadid saavad sellest tegevusest hiigelkasumeid, seisavad paljud riigid silmitsi migrantide ekspluateerimise ja nende inimõiguste rikkumisega kaasnevate tõsiste probleemidega. Peaaegu olematud või suhteliselt leebed sanktsioonid, ebapiisav vastumeetmete koordineerimine ja inimeste vähene teadlikkus kaubitsemise objektiks muutumise ohust ...
The value of the qualitative method for adaptation of a disease-specific quality of life assessme... more The value of the qualitative method for adaptation of a disease-specific quality of life assessment instrument: the case of the
This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n=1,000), ... more This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n=1,000), Estonia (n=1,069), Ireland (n=1,000), Norway (n=1,002) and Spain (n=1,000), compares population attitudes towards corporal punishment (CP) and whether citizens would report corporal punishment to the child protection authorities. We found significant cross-country differences in attitudes towards CP, but only small differences between countries in attitudes towards reporting it. The most interesting and puzzling finding was the mismatch between attitudes towards CP and attitudes towards reporting it: almost one third of individuals who reject CP would not report it, and a quarter of those accepting CP would report it. We discuss whether the observed mismatches are due to perceptions that the CP we described does not meet a threshold to require state intervention, and whether knowledge about bans of CP and/or moral obligations to report CP has impact. Furthermore, we discuss the role of p...
Abstract Participation is one of the basic rights of the child, which includes participation in j... more Abstract Participation is one of the basic rights of the child, which includes participation in juridical decision-making processes that affect the life of the child; however, considering the complexity of judicial proceedings such as child welfare removal and the peculiarities connected to a child as a vulnerable human being in his/her developmental process, this is not an easy topic. The outcome of child participation, whether harmful or beneficial, depends on many different factors, including the quality of professionals’ activity during the process. In this paper, we discuss professionals’ ability to support children’s positive participation in decision making in Estonian child welfare removal. In our analysis, we compare children’s perspectives with professionals’ perspectives. The children’s perspectives are based on their lived experiences of removal, and the professionals’ perspectives originate from the views of child protection workers (CPW) and advocates who represent children during removal proceedings. The data derive from the authors’ recent research projects. First, we secondarily analyzed a selection of transcripts of interviews (n = 20) with children with lived experience of removal from Estonian research for a Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) project (2013–14). Second, we analyzed the Estonian part of the inquiry data from the Improving Decisions through Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) project (2017–19) questionnaires administered to specialists (n = 107), with a particular focus on the respondents’ comments and answers to the qualitative open-ended questions. The conceptual framework for the comparison is based on Lundy’s model of child participation. The results show significant differences between children’s and professionals’ interpretations of child participation and a deficit of dialogues between children and professionals in child welfare removal proceedings.
The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on I... more The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on Internet, as expressed by adolescents. Sexual violence can be defined as sexuality related behaviour that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm including physical and mental abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation. The paper will give an insight to strategies what young people themselves find most effective. Information from 120 young people in nineteen focus groups across five countries is used for analyses. Paper will give an overview about main practices that children consider effective in avoiding sexual violence related harm.
Approaching from the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) and the principle of best in... more Approaching from the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) and the principle of best interest of the child is mandatory in all decision-makings in all EU countries. However, we can see notable contradictions between the articles of UNCRC, the best interest principle and the practice of juvenile justice systems almost in every EU member state. International organisations and national states make efforts to cross the contradictions and to guarantee the rights stated in the UNCRC. In this paper, we present some attempts to enhance the juvenile justice systems while focusing on Estonian case. Participation in two international action research projects enables authors to give an overview about the situation how the rights of Estonian children in detention are followed and what are the main tendencies in everyday practice.
Abstract Decisions regarding children’s residential care reorganisation are primarily based on an... more Abstract Decisions regarding children’s residential care reorganisation are primarily based on an adult’s perspective of children’s wellbeing and care. While these adults tend to be well-intended and base their decisions off relevant evidence, the children’s perspectives ‐ which reflects their actual lived experiences ‐ is almost never considered. However, since children are experts of their own lives, they should have the right to participate and express their opinion: Their point of view could be of great value in developing residential child care. In this article, we provide SOS children’s insights into their own life experiences and individual identities. The data was collected during an ethnographic research in one of Estonia’s SOS Children’s Villages (SOS CV). This article aims to answer to following research questions: 1. What are the main topics in SOS children’s stories when they talk about themselves and their everyday lives in substitute homes? 2. What kind of identity can be determined from children’s stories? 3. How can the subtext within the children’s stories be used to develop a child-centred residential care? In this article, we present and discuss several key-findings. First, it is important to note that there are gaps in the children’s life stories, as they sometimes lack information about important people and events in their lives. Second, this lack of adequate information can damage the children's identities and, in turn, undermine their development. Third, the opportunity to talk about important life events encourages the children to ask questions, as they are interested in obtaining additional information to complete the gaps. Fourth, the children’s stories indicate the shortcomings of substitute homes, related to both culture and communication.
Abstract This study provides insight into change processes of child residential care as depicted ... more Abstract This study provides insight into change processes of child residential care as depicted by ethnographic research on Estonian SOS Children’s Villages (SOS CV). Through the analysis of daily life in substitute homes, this study aimed to gain an in-depth and contextualised understanding of this deinstitutionalisation process. The changing approach of SOS CVs from institutional village-life-based to community-based approaches where nonbiological children are raised is discussed. The interpretation of said changes as deinstitutionalisation and their complicated nature is outlined. The latter is attributed to the divergent effects of activities. The findings ultimately lead to the conclusion that such change processes result in both challenges and difficulties to the Estonian substitute care system.
This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n = 1000),... more This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n = 1000), Estonia (n = 1069), Ireland (n = 1000), Norway (n = 1002) and Spain (n = 1000), compares population attitudes towards corporal punishment (CP) and whether citizens would report corporal punishment to the child protection authorities. We found significant crosscountry differences in attitudes towards CP, but only small differences between countries in attitudes towards reporting it. The most interesting and puzzling finding was the mismatch between attitudes towards CP and attitudes towards reporting it: almost one third of individuals who reject CP would not report it, and a quarter of those accepting CP would report it. We discuss whether the observed mismatches are due to perceptions that the CP we described does not meet a threshold to require state intervention , and whether knowledge about bans of CP and/or moral obligations to report CP has impact. Furthermore , we discuss the rol...
A child’s right to participate is one of the general principles of the Convention on the Rights o... more A child’s right to participate is one of the general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc). It is an integral part of a child’s right to have his/her best interest taken into account as a primary consideration. Therefore, it is indispensable in the decision-making connected with child welfare removals, the effects of which on the child’s life are long lasting and profound. In this article we examine the perceptions and practices of child-welfare professionals in the context of children’s rights, especially participation rights, in two neighbouring countries: Finland and Estonia. The findings are based on a survey and suggest that in the context of children’s rights, legislation also has its role in making children’s rights a reality, both as a prerequisite for reform as well as in shaping attitudes. However, legal regulation is not enough – full realisation also reguires more information, education and resources.
The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on I... more The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on Internet, as expressed by adolescents. Sexual violence can be defined as sexuality related behaviour that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm including physical and mental abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation. The paper will give an insight to strategies what young people themselves find most effective. Information from 120 young people in nineteen focus groups across five countries is used for analyses. Paper will give an overview about main practices that children consider effective in avoiding sexual violence related harm.
ABSTRACT The process of transition in Estonia has been accompanied by a conflict between the desi... more ABSTRACT The process of transition in Estonia has been accompanied by a conflict between the desire to adopt Western models of welfare in terms of values, beliefs, and ideology, and the actual attitudes, habits, lifestyles, knowledge, and work skills inherited from the former Soviet system. How is the general process of transition reflected in the K. Special School, which has existed since the Soviet era? This article attempts to show what is going on at the institution, how 'new' and 'old' ideas and methods of operation that are used by staff coexist, and the consequences of that coexistence. In the totalitarian Soviet system, the institution under study was an organic part of the system. So far, the intention of combining welfare ideology with a total institution has not produced the expected results. To achieve real change, the institution should be thoroughly reorganized - it should cease to be a total institution. This is not only true for Estonia - studies on Western total institutions reach the same conclusion (see, for instance, Kelly 1992; Wardhaugh et al . 1993). The empirical data presented here were gathered in 1997 during fieldwork that formed part of an ethnographic research project.
Deutsch Jenseits der Rhetorik. Über die faktische Praxis des Kinderschutzes Helen Buckley Der Auf... more Deutsch Jenseits der Rhetorik. Über die faktische Praxis des Kinderschutzes Helen Buckley Der Aufsatz befaßt sich mit einer Studie über die Praxis des Kinderschutzes in einem irischen Gesundheitsamt. Unter Verwendung eines qualitativen Forschungsparadigmas wird versucht, die bestehende Wissenslücke über diesen Forschungsgegenstand zu füllen, indem illustriert wird, was Sozialarbeiter/innen in der Praxis des Kinderschutzes realiter tun. Es wird aufgezeigt, wie der normative Rahmen beschaffen ist, innerhalb dessen die Sozialarbeiter/innen, die über die Ernsthaftigkeit eines Falles entscheiden, überprüfen, ob eine Überweisung aufgrund eines angenommenen Mißbrauches stichhaltig oder unzutreffend ist. Hierbei wird die tiefe Kluft zwischen dem offiziellen Diskurs, wie er sich in prozeduralen Leitlinien darstellt und der tagtäglichen Realität der Praxis der Kinderschutzarbeit deutlich. Es wird analysiert, auf welche Weise sich hieraus Spielräume sowohl hinsichtlich der Anwendung moralischer Argumentationen, als auch für professionelle Ambivalenzen ergeben.
Inimkaubandus (eriti naiste ja lastega kaubitsemine) on muutunud globaalse levikuga nähtuseks. Sa... more Inimkaubandus (eriti naiste ja lastega kaubitsemine) on muutunud globaalse levikuga nähtuseks. Samal ajal, kui kaubitsejad ja organiseeritud kuritegelikud sündikaadid saavad sellest tegevusest hiigelkasumeid, seisavad paljud riigid silmitsi migrantide ekspluateerimise ja nende inimõiguste rikkumisega kaasnevate tõsiste probleemidega. Peaaegu olematud või suhteliselt leebed sanktsioonid, ebapiisav vastumeetmete koordineerimine ja inimeste vähene teadlikkus kaubitsemise objektiks muutumise ohust ...
The value of the qualitative method for adaptation of a disease-specific quality of life assessme... more The value of the qualitative method for adaptation of a disease-specific quality of life assessment instrument: the case of the
This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n=1,000), ... more This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n=1,000), Estonia (n=1,069), Ireland (n=1,000), Norway (n=1,002) and Spain (n=1,000), compares population attitudes towards corporal punishment (CP) and whether citizens would report corporal punishment to the child protection authorities. We found significant cross-country differences in attitudes towards CP, but only small differences between countries in attitudes towards reporting it. The most interesting and puzzling finding was the mismatch between attitudes towards CP and attitudes towards reporting it: almost one third of individuals who reject CP would not report it, and a quarter of those accepting CP would report it. We discuss whether the observed mismatches are due to perceptions that the CP we described does not meet a threshold to require state intervention, and whether knowledge about bans of CP and/or moral obligations to report CP has impact. Furthermore, we discuss the role of p...
Abstract Participation is one of the basic rights of the child, which includes participation in j... more Abstract Participation is one of the basic rights of the child, which includes participation in juridical decision-making processes that affect the life of the child; however, considering the complexity of judicial proceedings such as child welfare removal and the peculiarities connected to a child as a vulnerable human being in his/her developmental process, this is not an easy topic. The outcome of child participation, whether harmful or beneficial, depends on many different factors, including the quality of professionals’ activity during the process. In this paper, we discuss professionals’ ability to support children’s positive participation in decision making in Estonian child welfare removal. In our analysis, we compare children’s perspectives with professionals’ perspectives. The children’s perspectives are based on their lived experiences of removal, and the professionals’ perspectives originate from the views of child protection workers (CPW) and advocates who represent children during removal proceedings. The data derive from the authors’ recent research projects. First, we secondarily analyzed a selection of transcripts of interviews (n = 20) with children with lived experience of removal from Estonian research for a Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) project (2013–14). Second, we analyzed the Estonian part of the inquiry data from the Improving Decisions through Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) project (2017–19) questionnaires administered to specialists (n = 107), with a particular focus on the respondents’ comments and answers to the qualitative open-ended questions. The conceptual framework for the comparison is based on Lundy’s model of child participation. The results show significant differences between children’s and professionals’ interpretations of child participation and a deficit of dialogues between children and professionals in child welfare removal proceedings.
The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on I... more The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on Internet, as expressed by adolescents. Sexual violence can be defined as sexuality related behaviour that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm including physical and mental abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation. The paper will give an insight to strategies what young people themselves find most effective. Information from 120 young people in nineteen focus groups across five countries is used for analyses. Paper will give an overview about main practices that children consider effective in avoiding sexual violence related harm.
Approaching from the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) and the principle of best in... more Approaching from the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) and the principle of best interest of the child is mandatory in all decision-makings in all EU countries. However, we can see notable contradictions between the articles of UNCRC, the best interest principle and the practice of juvenile justice systems almost in every EU member state. International organisations and national states make efforts to cross the contradictions and to guarantee the rights stated in the UNCRC. In this paper, we present some attempts to enhance the juvenile justice systems while focusing on Estonian case. Participation in two international action research projects enables authors to give an overview about the situation how the rights of Estonian children in detention are followed and what are the main tendencies in everyday practice.
Abstract Decisions regarding children’s residential care reorganisation are primarily based on an... more Abstract Decisions regarding children’s residential care reorganisation are primarily based on an adult’s perspective of children’s wellbeing and care. While these adults tend to be well-intended and base their decisions off relevant evidence, the children’s perspectives ‐ which reflects their actual lived experiences ‐ is almost never considered. However, since children are experts of their own lives, they should have the right to participate and express their opinion: Their point of view could be of great value in developing residential child care. In this article, we provide SOS children’s insights into their own life experiences and individual identities. The data was collected during an ethnographic research in one of Estonia’s SOS Children’s Villages (SOS CV). This article aims to answer to following research questions: 1. What are the main topics in SOS children’s stories when they talk about themselves and their everyday lives in substitute homes? 2. What kind of identity can be determined from children’s stories? 3. How can the subtext within the children’s stories be used to develop a child-centred residential care? In this article, we present and discuss several key-findings. First, it is important to note that there are gaps in the children’s life stories, as they sometimes lack information about important people and events in their lives. Second, this lack of adequate information can damage the children's identities and, in turn, undermine their development. Third, the opportunity to talk about important life events encourages the children to ask questions, as they are interested in obtaining additional information to complete the gaps. Fourth, the children’s stories indicate the shortcomings of substitute homes, related to both culture and communication.
Abstract This study provides insight into change processes of child residential care as depicted ... more Abstract This study provides insight into change processes of child residential care as depicted by ethnographic research on Estonian SOS Children’s Villages (SOS CV). Through the analysis of daily life in substitute homes, this study aimed to gain an in-depth and contextualised understanding of this deinstitutionalisation process. The changing approach of SOS CVs from institutional village-life-based to community-based approaches where nonbiological children are raised is discussed. The interpretation of said changes as deinstitutionalisation and their complicated nature is outlined. The latter is attributed to the divergent effects of activities. The findings ultimately lead to the conclusion that such change processes result in both challenges and difficulties to the Estonian substitute care system.
This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n = 1000),... more This study, which draws upon representative survey data of the populations of Austria (n = 1000), Estonia (n = 1069), Ireland (n = 1000), Norway (n = 1002) and Spain (n = 1000), compares population attitudes towards corporal punishment (CP) and whether citizens would report corporal punishment to the child protection authorities. We found significant crosscountry differences in attitudes towards CP, but only small differences between countries in attitudes towards reporting it. The most interesting and puzzling finding was the mismatch between attitudes towards CP and attitudes towards reporting it: almost one third of individuals who reject CP would not report it, and a quarter of those accepting CP would report it. We discuss whether the observed mismatches are due to perceptions that the CP we described does not meet a threshold to require state intervention , and whether knowledge about bans of CP and/or moral obligations to report CP has impact. Furthermore , we discuss the rol...
A child’s right to participate is one of the general principles of the Convention on the Rights o... more A child’s right to participate is one of the general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc). It is an integral part of a child’s right to have his/her best interest taken into account as a primary consideration. Therefore, it is indispensable in the decision-making connected with child welfare removals, the effects of which on the child’s life are long lasting and profound. In this article we examine the perceptions and practices of child-welfare professionals in the context of children’s rights, especially participation rights, in two neighbouring countries: Finland and Estonia. The findings are based on a survey and suggest that in the context of children’s rights, legislation also has its role in making children’s rights a reality, both as a prerequisite for reform as well as in shaping attitudes. However, legal regulation is not enough – full realisation also reguires more information, education and resources.
The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on I... more The aim of this paper is to analyse the most successful sexual violence avoidance strategies on Internet, as expressed by adolescents. Sexual violence can be defined as sexuality related behaviour that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm including physical and mental abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation. The paper will give an insight to strategies what young people themselves find most effective. Information from 120 young people in nineteen focus groups across five countries is used for analyses. Paper will give an overview about main practices that children consider effective in avoiding sexual violence related harm.
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