We all talk about training and technique about philosophy, rights and accountability – but there is a serious issue affecting Child and Youth Care which I seldom see discussed: the universal cliché of child care facilities as places of horror. A standard theme in Walt Disney movies, youth sitcoms and young people's books is escaping from the clutches of an orphanage or threats of juvenile hall.
True or false?
Our profession should tackle this on two levels. If it is true that these places are so terrible, then as advocates for children we need to identify offending institutions and hold them accountable. We should at least be clear as to why society targets children's institutions in this way.
If the cliché is false, then our profession needs to actively promote a fairer view of the work we do. How can we do this?
One of my concerns over this is that many children have no other home, no other group of people to identify with and no other parent/adult figures to rely on – and these kids watch these movies and read these books. I wonder what conflicts and anxiety this must raise for them?
