| Abstract [eng] |
The child rights in Lithuania are protected by national government and its institutions, local authorities, non-governmental organizations concerned with child rights. By joining the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on 8 January 1992 and by ratifying it on 3 July 1995, Lithuania has committed itself to ensuring the protection of children in all areas of their lives at a level consistent with international standards provided in the convention. Master's thesis dealt with the implementation of the children‘s right to participation in the children‘s care institution. The object of the research is the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes. The goal of the study is to analyze the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes. Hypothesis: presumably, insufficient attention is paid to the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes. The final paper presents an analysis of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the laws and legal norms of the Republic of Lithuania related to the foster care system and influencing the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes. Based on the theoretical analysis of Lithuanian and foreign researches, a questionnaire-based survey with closed-ended and open-ended questions was prepared and given to children living in X, Y and Z care homes. Also, an assessment of the implementation of the participation rights of children living in care homes was carried out. The questionnaire-based survey revealed the advantages and disadvantages related to the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes. The statements were sorted in tables and figures and the gathered information was systemized. After studying the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes, it was determined that rights to participation in care homes were ensured sufficiently. According to the children, their participation and freedom of speech rights were implemented only partially in care homes. The younger teenagers stated that even though the adults listened to their opinions, approaches and wishes, they hardly took them into consideration. When planning various events and activities, the employees in care homes considered the opinions of children partially and only at times. The children living in care homes found it very important to be listened to by the employees personally during individual conversations. Most children believed that care homes should change their attitudes towards children, i.e. show more trust, listen to their opinions and grant them more privacy. The hypothesis that insufficient attention is paid to the implementation of participation rights of children living in care homes was confirmed. |
