Peer-reviewed article
Kinship Care Disruptions and Child Institutionalisation in Bali, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
Rodney Westerlaken ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study examines why kinship care arrangements break down in Bali, Indonesia, leading to children being placed in institutions instead. Through interviews with 50 children in institutions and 16 family members, researchers found that economic hardship, family circumstances, and beliefs that institutions provide better education drive institutionalisation. The study argues that family support systems and community-based alternatives like kinship and foster care should be strengthened to keep children with their families.
Key points
- Economic hardship is a primary driver of kinship care disruption and child institutionalisation
- Families and communities perceive institutional care as offering better educational opportunities for children
- Changing social and cultural perceptions have altered traditional Balinese kinship care practices
- Community-based alternatives including kinship care and foster care are recommended as part of a continuum of care
- Family support systems need strengthening to prevent institutionalisation
Limitations
As a qualitative study, findings cannot be generalised statistically beyond the sample studied. The study does not compare outcomes for children in kinship care versus institutional care, so it cannot determine which arrangement better serves children's well-being.
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the factors contributing to the disruption of kinship care and the subsequent institutionalisation of children in Bali, Indonesia. Through in-depth interviews with 50 children residing in child welfare institutions and 16 parents or familial caretakers, the study examines the changing social and cultural perceptions of child institutionalisation and its impact on traditional Balinese kinship systems. The findings reveal that economic hardship, family circumstances and the perceived benefits of institutional care for education are the primary drivers of child institutionalisation. The study highlights the need for strengthening family support systems, adhering to national standards of care and promoting community-based alternatives to institutional care, particularly kinship care and foster care, as part of a continuum of care. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, practitioners and researchers to address the challenges faced by children and families in Bali and to promote family-based care.