CONDIÇÕES AMBIENTAIS, FAMILIARES E SOCIAIS DE CRIANÇAS ATENDIDAS NO CENTRO DE ATENÇÃO PSICOSSOCIAL INFANTIL DE UMA CAPITAL DO CENTRO-OESTE

Abstract

This is a qualitative study that sought to understand the environmental, family and social environment of children who are in treatment in a Center for Psychosocial Attention (CAPSI) in a state capital of the Brazilian Central-East. Participants were 12 health professionals from the CAPSI involved, 11 caretakers and 12 children, with two of the children being under the responsibility of one of the caretakers. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The children s homes and schools were visited and field notes were written. A Grounded Theory analysis of the data was made. This is an inductive and systematic way to produce a theoretical model that explains an experienced reality. The data show that microsystems and mesosystems in which the children take part, interfere both negatively and positively in their development. Six categories were constructed. They were identified as psychosocial, financial and environmental challenges to child development and psychosocial, financial and environmental resources for child development. Subcategories representing challenges to children s development include: disorganized family dynamics, social limitations, low family income and unqualified school environment. Resources include: continuous caretaker supervision in the child s life, a place for play and friendships in the child s daily life, a benign socialpolitical context, commitment by the professionals and the CAPSI s well organized environment. The model can help both professionals and health or education managers broaden their understanding of the children s needs and promote resilience in children of social-economically disfavored families.