The transition from orphanages to foster care in Thailand
This study explores how child welfare interventions are transferred internationally and implemented across cultures.
Exploring family placements in Thailand
Children who are unable to grow up with their parents are cared for in alternative care arrangements, which are provided by the state or non-governmental organisations. Literature on alternative care shows the negative effects and poor outcomes for children growing up within large institutions. This evidence has informed the UN guidelines on alternative care, which promotes the development of family-based care and small-scale residential homes.
This project focused on Thailand, a country that in recent years has made significant progress in improving children’s lives, for example, with improved education and lower mortality rates. However, it is estimated over 95% of children in public care live in institutional settings.
This qualitative study explored practitioner and policy actor perceptions of alternative care provision in Thailand. This included interviews with 27 people from 19 child welfare organisations, including practitioners (16) and policy actors (11) from governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.
Project team
- Dr Justin Rogers
- Dr Prapaporn Mongkhonvanit, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand