O caso Ação Rua: intervenções com crianças, adolescentes e suas famílias

Abstract

Intervention with children and adolescents in street situation are discussed through the Ação Rua Case evaluation study. A Single Case Study with Embedded Analysis Units was used by means of ecological insertion, documentary analysis and focus groups with Adolescents, Families, Social Workers and Managers connected to the Service. The present study considers the three first years (2007-2009) of the case study, considering implementation and execution. Results, based on Bioecological Theory of Human Development, indicate that the Service comprised a direct microsystem, and increased the number and quality of the microsystems of the public served. Regularity and affective reciprocity were highlighted as elements of the proximal processes established, also perceived as formal/informal social support. The Service constant presence in the living spaces of the attended public created a face-to-face stability that contrasted to the unpredictability of the street situation, and went beyond the traditional limits of the street outreach approach. The importance of the social worker for the development of the intervention is emphasized. The lessons learned from the Ação Rua Case are relevant to examine on interventions aimed at the street outreach approach and socio-family support programs in different contexts. Limitations and suggestions for future studies are presented.