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STIGMA CARE – Stigmatization of Children and Parents in the Alternative Care System in Croatia

CroRIS: STIGMA CARE – Stigmatization of Children and Parents in the Alternative Care System in Croatia

Principal investigator: Prof. Ivana Borić, PhD

funded nextgenerationEU


About the project

Project team members:

  • Assoc. Prof. Ivana Maurović, PhD
  • Assoc. Prof. Anja Mirosavljević, PhD
  • Assoc. Prof. Gabrijela Ratkajec Gašević, PhD
  • Andrea Ćosić, PhD, senior assistant
  • Andreja Šprem, mag. paed. soc.

Associates:

  • Prof. Marijana Majdak, PhD
  • Prof. Slavica Blaženka Kokorić, PhD
  • Assis. Prof. Matea Kramarić, PhD
  • Prof. Mitja Krajnčan, PhD

The project explores the characteristics of the stigmatization of children and parents within the alternative care system in Croatia. Its objectives include analyzing stigmatization from multiple perspectives (users, professionals, decision-makers, peers, and the media), examining how experiences of stigmatization affect self-image, well-being, and social inclusion, analyzing relevant policies and practices, establishing an advisory group of young people with care experience, and developing guidelines to reduce stigmatization. The research applies a mixed-methods approach: a qualitative phase (focus groups and interviews) and a quantitative phase (surveys and policy analysis). It includes children aged 14 and above and parents who are users of the system, as well as peer children, professionals, decision-makers, individuals with care experience, and media representatives. Approximately 100 participants are expected in the qualitative phase and 320 in the quantitative phase. The scientific contribution lies in the development of research instruments, the application of a mixed-methods design, and the publication of results in relevant scientific databases (SCOPUS, WoS). The social contribution includes guidelines and promotional-educational materials aimed at reducing stigmatization. The project strengthens the institution’s research capacities by establishing a new research group, promoting a participatory approach, involving students, and creating a database for future research.

Project activities

Participation in the “(Re)thinking Foster Care: Emerging Challenges and Systemic Responses” Conference
Participation in the “(Re)thinking Foster Care: Emerging Challenges and Systemic Responses” Conference
Members of the STIGMA CARE project team took part in the international scientific conference “(Re)thinking Foster Care: Emerging Challenges and Systemic Responses” , held on 9 and 10 September 2026 in Porto, Portugal, and organised by the Polytechnic Institute of Porto. More information about the conference is available at: eventos.ese.ipp.pt The paper “Perceived Stigmatization of Foster Carers: A Qualitative Study” was presented at the conference, presenting findings from a qualitative study exploring foster carers’ experiences and perceptions of stigmatization. Participation in the conference contributed to the international visibility of the STIGMA CARE project and provided a valuable opportunity to exchange research findings, knowledge and experiences with researchers and professionals in the field of foster care.
30.09.2026
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Qualitative Research Phase of the STIGMA CARE Project
Qualitative Research Phase of the STIGMA CARE Project
As part of the scientific research project STIGMA SKRB, the first phase of qualitative research has begun, focusing on the experiences of foster carers and adoptive parents across Croatia. Focus groups have so far been conducted with foster carers and adoptive parents, giving participants the opportunity to share, from their own perspectives, their experiences and reflections on stigmatization related to their roles and their care for children and young people. Two graduate students of Social Pedagogy at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, have also joined the research activities. As part of the project, they will prepare their master’s theses on topics related to the research. Their involvement helps strengthen the connection between scientific research and academic education, while also supporting the development of research competencies among future professionals in the field of alternative care. We would like to thank all foster carers and adoptive parents who have contributed to the research through their participation, openness and willingness to share their experiences. Their contribution is invaluable in gaining a better understanding of experiences of stigmatization within the alternative care system.
26.08.2026
Presentation of the STIGMA CARE Project to Young People with Care Experience
Presentation of the STIGMA CARE Project to Young People with Care Experience
On 21 May 2026 , the scientific research project STIGMA SKRB was presented to young people with care experience at the premises of the Igra Association. During the meeting, the young people were introduced to the project’s objectives and planned activities. Particular emphasis was placed on the opportunity to join the Youth Advisory Group, through which they will be able to actively participate in different stages of the research, share their experiences, views and ideas, provide feedback on research materials, and contribute to discussions on the research findings and recommendations. The discussion highlighted the importance of young people’s lived experiences and perspectives in understanding stigmatization associated with living in alternative care. The meeting also provided an opportunity to agree the next steps for involving young people in the Youth Advisory Group, as well as how they will collaborate throughout the implementation of the project. Their participation represents an important contribution to the research and to ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of young people with care experience are heard and taken into account when developing recommendations for reducing stigmatization and promoting a society that better understands and accepts the experience of living in care. We would especially like to thank all the young people who have joined the Youth Advisory Group and who, by sharing their experiences, views and ideas, are contributing to the planning of the research and its outcomes.
10.06.2026
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STIGMA CARE Project Team Meeting
STIGMA CARE Project Team Meeting
On 1 April 2026 , the project team of the scientific research project STIGMA SKRB – Stigmatization of Children and Parents in the Alternative Care System in Croatia – held its first meeting . The meeting brought together members of the project team, who presented the project’s objectives, planned activities and overall research implementation framework. This first project meeting marked the official launch of the STIGMA SKRB project. The project team has now begun implementing the planned activities, aimed at gaining a better understanding of the experiences and perceptions of stigmatization among children and parents within the alternative care system.
30.04.2026
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