Social-Educational Work and the Role of Social Workers in Re-Education Facilities for Youth in Slovakia: A Qualitative Study

Katarína Vanková ()
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Katarína Vanková: Department of Social Work and Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health, Constantine the Philosopher University, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-11

Abstract: The formation of an emotional bond with young people’s parents is crucial for healthy development and serves as a model for future relationships. Disruptions to this bond can result in neurobiological consequences, manifesting as problematic behaviours and social deficits. Social-educational work in re-education facilities in Slovakia focuses on supporting and rehabilitating young people in conflict with the law, aiming for their reintegration into society. This study presents a qualitative analysis of social workers’ activities across 11 re-education facilities in Slovakia, utilizing semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and field observation. The findings reveal that social workers play an indispensable role in the re-education and resocialization process, providing emotional support, professional counselling, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Despite differences in client typology and methodologies among facilities, a shared emphasis exists on restoring social ties and personal development. The effectiveness of social work is influenced by adequate staffing, methodological support, and inter-ministerial cooperation. Implementing targeted recommendations could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the system and improve outcomes for children and young people in institutional care. This study contributes vital insights into how social workers must balance competing interests—such as individual therapeutic needs, institutional constraints, and family and community involvement—to successfully facilitate youth reintegration into society.

Keywords: child development; emotional bonds; social work; re-education facilities; resocialization; behavioural disorders; social workers; qualitative research; Slovakia; youth rehabilitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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