"It's Just Me, Alone": What Do the Families of Adolescents in Socio-Educational Measure Say?

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the involvement of families in the process of accompanying adolescents undergoing internment measures at a socio-educational center in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Considering the central role of families in socio-educational policy and the scarcity of studies focusing on this topic, we sought to identify their main needs, the possible emotions emerging during visits, and the challenges encountered in their relationship with the state apparatus. Employing a participatory and dialogical approach, we utilized participant observation and field diary as methodological tools. The main findings highlighted the predominantly female, especially maternal, responsibility in accompanying these adolescents, often associated with processes of blame. Feelings of shame, humiliation, and distrust were consistently present in the family's interactions with socio-educational policy. Finally, we emphasize the importance of including families, in their plurality and diversity, in the context of socio-educational measures for an ethically sound practice committed to the needs of adolescents and their support network.