Narratives of social educators on practices in institutional foster care

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the narratives of social educators regarding their practices within a foster care institution for children and adolescents in South Brazil. Method A narrative interview script and a sociodemographic questionnaire were employed in the investigation, involving eleven participating social educators. The interviews underwent grounded theory analysis, resulting in four emergent categories pertaining to practices (initiation, types, dimensions, context). Results The practices initiate in a straightforward manner and unfold gradually through caregiving, the incorporation of play, and affection. Notably, aspects of comprehensive care and humanized attention were identified. Conclusion The results underscore that these practices adhere to guidelines outlined by public policies. However, they also emphasize the need for continuing education to discuss specific aspects of care and strategies for evaluating the undertaken activities.