Serviço de acolhimento em família acolhedora no Brasil: análise das iniciativas no país

Abstract

Foster care (FA) is recognized as the most beneficial protection measure for the development of children and adolescents away from their families of origin, when it provides a safe and affectionate environment. Despite the evident benefits of AF, it is observed that, in some countries, including Brazil, the measure of institutional care (IA) still predominates. In this scenario, the present research aimed to analyze the limits and possibilities of PA services in Brazil. A survey of national and international literature on the topic was carried out, in addition to an analysis of existing initiatives in the country, using the SUAS Census as a data collection source. The research carried out grouped two studies: the first, an integrative review of the literature between the years 2012 and 2022, addresses common challenges in the national and international scenario related to foster care initiatives, such as their slow implementation process, scarcity of resources, workload of professionals, lack of preparation of foster families and little investment in the technical improvement of professionals who work in Foster Care Services (SFA). Despite these challenges, research highlights the importance of family support, valuing the role of the family as the primary nucleus of care and protection, promoting emotional bonds and contributing to the well-being of children and adolescents. The second study used documentary research with data from the SUAS Census (2022) to characterize family care services in Brazil, highlighting the South and Southeast regions as leaders in the number of initiatives and children welcomed. However, weaknesses were identified in the implementation of this reception policy due to non-compliance with fundamental principles of the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA), such as ensuring care close to the place of residence of the family of origin, welcoming groups of siblings, in addition to maintaining gaps in the regularization and regulation of services. Although the scientific literature highlights the benefits of PA, it was found that the services researched cannot always be implemented according to the perspective of the integral development of children and adolescents, and that the majority of those receiving care are still included in institutional care services. . Data relating to the functioning of the SFA in the country corroborate some negative aspects highlighted by the literature review, including weaknesses in the implementation of this type of intervention, such as the delay in implementing family care services, the lack of preparation and systematic monitoring of multidisciplinary teams that support the implemented services and the need for their technical improvement. Both analyzes carried out emphasize the need for sustainable public policies and literature that guide initiatives according to regional specificities, to strengthen and expand family care throughout the country.