RELIGIOUS SERVICES FOR CHILDREN UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE: PRACTICES, METHODS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study is a fi eld research aimed at evaluating the religious services provided by the Presidency of Religious Affairs to children under institutional care as part of the public policies on the child protection system in Turkey. Problems arising out of accommodational, nutritional, clothing, health, and psychological reasons, services, and solutions relating to them provided by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies are not included in this study as they are beyond the scope of this research. What is to be emphasized here is the adequacy of religious services for children cared for in institutions: whether their needs are met, the people providing these services, the qualities of those who provide these services, and the problems related to eligious services offered to children under institutional care