Accogliere e accompagnare madri con i loro figli. Una ricerca di analisi documentaria delle cartelle sociali di una Comunità mamma-bambino

The object of this contribution is to describe the helping paths implemented in residential mother-child care institutions and is based on the analysis of the social folder of one of such institutions in Italy. The research analyzed 14 social folder (28 reports and 28 Individualized Educational Projects) and describes — through the practitioners’ words — their struggle in finding a balance between the need to protect and care for the child and the need to support the parent. Their work is further challenged by the particular context in which they operate which constantly demands that they create and carry out interventions aimed at improving parental skills. Consequently, the helping paths implemented focus on identifying and meeting the needs of all family members and favoring the participation of all the stakeholders (within the existing limits and restrictions). The findings show that such complex paths require reconsidering the approach to child protection in order to promote both the parent’s autonomy and the child’s well-being.