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Odeta Merfeldaitė Jolanta Pivorienė Rita Raudeliūnaitė

Abstract

The experience of organization of socio-educational support in institutions for delinquent youth is analysed in the article. Lithuanian law regulates the provision of socio-educational support in socialization centres. Comparative research of good practice examples in European countries could help achieve positive results in the re-socialization process. Analysis of socio-educational support in socialization centres and evidence based recommendations would contribute to the development of effective system. The article is based on research that was done in 2010 in Belgium, Denmark and Lithuania. It focuses on the comparison of two types of factors—organizational and socio-educational—which shape provision of support in institutions for delinquent youth. The comparative analysis revealed three main elements which contribute to the successful re-socialization: optimization of the duration in the institution, maintaining relations with the child nearest environment in the development of support networks and competence of the staff in organization and development of formal and informal educational processes. In the countries under study, minimal duration in the institution is emphasised. In Lithuania the duration is the longest in comparison with other countries, there is evidence of individualised support, but general support measures are still dominating. According to research data, the most liberal system of socio-educational support is in Belgium, the most rigid—in Lithuania. Experts mentioned that re-socialization systems in their countries are not effective. The lack of coordination of working with a family in community and with a child in institution is one of the most important factors which influence big re-enter rate. In studied countries cooperation with the families is limited to the providing parents with information about the daily routine in the institution. Data shows that in Belgium and Denmark big attention is paid to the team work of the staff, motivation and lifelong learning of the professionals. In Lithuania the team work is not so evident, professionals lack the knowledge and skills for working with delinquent youth. Children in socialization centres lack motivation, have behavioural and emotions problems, they have different levels of knowledge and skills therefore the individual work with every child is necessary.

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Section
Articles