Komu pomagamy? Młodzieżowe ośrodki socjoterapii na mapie wsparcia rodziny w kryzysie wychowawczym
Who do we help? Youth social therapy centers on the map of support for families in parenting crises

Author(s): Magdalena Błaszczyk, Joanna Dytrych, Renata Szczepanik
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology, Pedagogy
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: family; social maladjustment; youth social therapy center; families in a parenting crisis; risk of social maladjustment
Summary/Abstract: This publication presents the results of a study on the activities of youth sociotherapy centers (MOS*) as part of the local support system for families experiencing a parenting crisis. The research was conducted in the Łódź Province (2024) and included an analysis of documentation, interviews with MOS staff, parents, and employees of psychological and pedagogical counseling centers, as well as an assessment of the profile of the children in care. The research shows that children’s difficulties in adapting to social life are, in fact, a manifestation of broader difficulties within the entire family, including caregiver overload, a lack of parenting skills, conflicts, and instability in the home environment. Furthermore, among MOS residents, there is a noticeable trend toward a decreasing average age, as well as an increase in the number of children with mental and developmental disorders. MOS centers serve as “last- resort” institutions, often compensating for a lack of coordination and shortages in community services, such as day support centers, family assistance, or specialized counseling. At the same time, the centers face staffing challenges, a mismatch between the profiles of the children and the facilities’ capabilities, and limited cooperation with families. The authors conclude that it is necessary to strengthen the local support system, particularly community-based services, which could prevent the institutionalization of children. They advocate for a shift in perspective—from working “on the child” to providing comprehensive support for families in crisis.

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