A (des) proteção social do Estado e a responsabilização da família: uma análise das institucionalizações de crianças e adolescentes atendidas na comarca de Porto Nacional/TO no período de 2018 a 2023

Abstract

This master's thesis aimed to "analyze the (lack of) social protection by the State and the responsibility placed on families of institutionalized children and adolescents in the Porto Nacional/TO region from 2018 to 2023." To achieve this goal, the following specific objectives were set: Characterize the formation of the Brazilian State and the social protection system in late and dependent capitalism; understand the relationship between the families utilizing the social protection system and the State; and identify the perception of families who had their children institutionalized in the Porto Nacional-TO region between 2018 and 2023. The research was grounded in critical social theory, as it is considered the most appropriate to achieve the proposed goal. The research methodology followed a qualitative, exploratory approach, including a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with families and a representative of the Public Defender's Office of Porto Nacional/TO, aiming to gather data that could support the proposed objective. The results highlighted that regarding the role of families in the social protection system, there is a phenomenon known as familism, where families are viewed as the primary, and often sole, entity responsible for the well-being of their members. Most families feel overwhelmed and often abandoned by the State, reflecting the unequal structure of social protection policies. The analysis of the interviews revealed a widespread sentiment that institutional care often has a criminalizing effect, placing the blame on families for their condition of poverty. The research exposed a gap in access to public policies, highlighting the need for managers and professionals to rethink the practices being developed to expand services and programs aimed at this population. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the practice of institutional care through the blaming/criminalization of families for their poverty condition still persists.