The evaluation of Fraserburgh Children's Home with new child care policies : an illuminative evaluation

• Main Author: Fraser, Alexander Watson
• Published: University of Aberdeen 1989
• Subjects: 301; Sociology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.292701

This Thesis is divided into five parts. Part One introduces the terms by which Fraserburgh Children's Home (FCH) was evaluated, and also gives a definition of, and a description of the methods used to collect evidence in illuminative evaluation. The structure of the thesis is also introduced. In Chapter One, we introduce and define terms. These are, 'integrated' and 'unintegrated ethos', 'siltation' and 'erosion', 'anti-institutional bias', 'open imperatives' and 'closed imperatives'. It is then asserted that FCH failed to achieve some of its objectives because; FCH had an 'unintegrated ethos', it thus suffered from cumulative dysfunction, involving 'siltation' and 'erosion'. This process was initiated by the 'anti-institutional bias'. In Chapter Two, illuminative evaluation is outlined, and the structure of the thesis is presented, namely, that Part Two deals with 'the instructional system', that is, the historical and intellectual antecedents of FCH and its original aims and objectives. In Part Three the 'care milieu', between 1982 and 1984 is given. In Part Four, some measures of output are given. Part Two outlines the history of the 'anti-institutional bias', and through an examination of the immediate 'instructional system' at FCH, argues that FCH was significantly affected by this bias. The 'instructional system' of FCH created a theoretical and ideological vacuity which provided the basis for 'unintegrated ethos'. Part Three provides evidence relating to staff reaction to this theoretical and ideological vacuity and demonstrates the cumulative dysfunction arising from this; pointing out the processes of 'siltation' and 'erosion' which affected FCH during 1982-84, and leading to an 'unintegrated ethos'. Part Four attempts to measure the consequences of this situation by noting the movement away from original aims and objectives. Particular attention is paid to the nature of the admission procedure, durations of stay and community links, although other measures are included. Part Five summarises and concludes the thesis, and outlines the implications for innovation and adaptation in residential child care.