Contact with Biological Parents for Children in Residental Care: A Vietnam Study

Abstract

Children living in residential care have a degree of separation from their parents and other family members. Based on attachment theory, this study was conducted to analyze the contact between these children and their biological parents, and the factors affecting this contact. The sample included 382 children (orphans, abandoned or helpless children, children whose parents are deprived of custody or are unable to raise a child) living in residential centers located in North, Central and South of Vietnam. Data were obtained by semi-structured interviews. The results showed that, on average, children contact their parents and family members once a month. In addition, variables such as family image in children's mind and joyfulness when meeting parents are the best predictors of contact between children and parents, family members. The contact between children and parents is arguably considered as a form of consolidation and maintenance of emotional relationship.