Children’s “Voices” as Perceived by Care Workers at Residential Living Support Facilities for Mothers and Children: An Analysis of Interviews with Care Workers

Abstract

This study examines children’s “voices” in Residential Living Support Facilities for Mothers and Children as perceived by care workers. Discussions on supporting children in Residential Living Support Facilities for Mothers and Children have insufficiently addressed how children’s “voices” have been recognized and reflected in the support by care workers. Therefore, a survey interview was conducted with four care workers who have worked in Residential Living Support Facilities for Mothers and Children for more than ten years. Interview analysis extracted the following five concepts: between oppression and empowerment,support for empowerment,empowered voices,activities of oppression,and deprived voices. Further examination revealed the following three points. First, children deprived of their voices avoid friendly relationships. Second, care workers empower children and build friendly relationships. Third, the support of care workers can be effective in empowering children, even if the mother-child relationship is oppressive.