Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17234/SocEkol.34.3.2
Involving children in procedures for the protection of their well-being in the social welfare system
Lisa Krpeljević
orcid.org/0009-0009-2696-2914
; Croatian Institute for Social Work, Trešnjevka Local Office
Anita Barišić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5245-8265
; Faculty of Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
*
Lara Rašić
orcid.org/0009-0003-9401-1551
; Faculty of Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to gain insight into the perspective of professionals on the inclusion of children in the processes of exercising rights and services within the social welfare system in the Republic of Croatia. Through qualitative research conducted in two focus groups with ten professionals from regional offices of the Croatian Institute for Social Work and social welfare institutions, the characteristics of children’s awareness and participation in procedures for the protection of their well-being were analyzed, and challenges and opportunities for improving practice were identified. The research is based on the concept of children’s rights, empowerment theory, and Shier’s model of participation, which emphasize the importance of respecting children’s opinions, empowering children as active participants, and progressively increasing their level of involvement. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. The results show that, although children formally have the right to participate in processes that concern them, they are often marginalized in practice. Professionals point out that children’s participation in procedures contributes to their sense of control and trust; however, noticeable shortcomings in the system, such as slowness and lack of resources, limit the level of their awareness and involvement. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for a better understanding of children’s emotional needs and for strengthening their role in decision-making processes.
Keywords
informing children; exercising rights; child participation; social welfare; protection of children’s rights
Hrčak ID:
342035
URI
Publication date:
22.12.2025.
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