Acolhimento institucional e (des)proteção social de crianças, adolescentes e famílias: o percurso da violação do direito à convivência familiar e comunitária

Abstract

This study analyzes the institutionalization of children and adolescents in the state of Paraíba, focusing on the supply, absence and precariousness of social protection. The research was carried out in shelter institutions in the state, with the aim of understanding the social dynamics that contribute to the institutionalization of children and adolescents, as well as the consequences of this measure for the fundamental right to family and community life. The theoretical approach adopted is Karl Marx's historical-dialectical materialism, which allowed us to understand the intrinsic relationship between the violation of the right to family and community coexistence of children and adolescents and the social dynamics of the capitalist system, including its contradictions. The results highlight the lack of state protection as the main violation of rights faced by the research subjects, emphasizing the continuous denial of the fundamental right to family life, which transcends the act of institutionalization and covers the entire life cycle of these children and adolescents, from before birth until entry into reception institutions. It was found that the reception of children and adolescents defined as a protection measure is a response from the capitalist State that, paradoxically, denies the fundamental right to family and community coexistence and consequently contributes to the expansion of social inequalities generated by the system. The absence of public policies that prioritize family coexistence results in the separation of children and adolescents from their families. The blaming of mothers (single, black and poor), labeled as negligent and responsible for the structural violence faced by their children, perpetuates the neoliberal logic that absolves the State of its obligations in confronting expressions of social issues, especially with regard to disruption of family ties. Meanwhile, the structural conditions of oppression, violence and hunger that afflict families in poverty continue almost unabated in our capitalist society. The advances achieved at the legal level do not immediately become universal social policies, on the contrary, they suffer all kinds of violations, interdictions and neglect in their implementation. It is hoped that the reflections outlined in this study will foster a critical and analytical understanding of the institutionalization of children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of family and community coexistence as a fundamental right to be protected and strengthened in our society. Furthermore, it is expected that the results of this research will stimulate the current debate on public policies and inspire additional questions about the social (lack of) protection of children and adolescents in institutional care, guiding future research in the area.