An evaluation of state child protection services in the context of merit goods

One of the most fundamental duties of states is to ensure the safety and well-being of children in need of protection. Child protection services are one of the most important institutional structures that play a role in the realization of this obligation and are developed for children who are neglected and abused by their families or who cannot live with their families for various reasons. In Turkey, child protection services are carried out within the framework of legislation and aim to contribute to the physical, cognitive, social and educational development of children. The quality of the services provided is directly related to the experiences and perceptions of the beneficiaries as well as the content of the service. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the experiences of people who grew up in child protection institutions and are currently employed in public institutions and their perceptions of the quality of the services they receive within the scope of service quality dimensions (physical assets, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy). The research is structured in a qualitative design and the sample group consists of individuals who have benefited from child protection and care services in the past, who have grown up in related institutions and who are employed in public institutions. In-depth interview method was used as the data collection tool, and the data obtained were analyzed through content analysis. As a result of the study, it was determined that the services provided in child protection institutions have both positive and negative effects on individuals, and that various factors such as the continuity of the services provided, the attitude of the staff, and the quality of physical conditions directly affect the perception of service. The findings make it possible to put forward recommendations for preserving and enhancing the strengths of the services provided, while identifying and improving their shortcomings.