Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10311625 | Children and Youth Services Review | 2013 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
There is extensive research demonstrating the negative effects of institutionalisation on infants. Gatekeeping has been widely promoted as a key strategy to combat unnecessary institutionalisation. Its aim is to provide a range of services and a system of decision making based on assessments of children and families to ensure effective targeting of services. This paper provides details of research into the gatekeeping system in Bulgaria for children under three and examples from recent Bulgarian and international practice. It suggests that gatekeeping could benefit from a social development orientation including activities to combat poverty and promote social inclusion through supporting community and family strengths. The paper proposes changes to the orientation of gatekeeping for effective national strategies to combat institutionalisation.
Keywords
Related Topics
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Perinatology, Pediatrics and Child Health
Authors
Andy Bilson, Cath Larkins,