Moral Competence in Child and Adolescent Care Institutions

This chapter presents an analysis of the development of moral competence within Institutional Shelter Services for Children and Teenagers, which are facilities linked to social services that provide care for children and adolescents facing violence or situations requiring removal from their family of origin. The primary objective is to explore how communal living, relationships within the shelter environment, and the educational methods employed by professionals can either support or hinder the moral education and autonomy of the children residing there. Throughout the text, essential concepts such as respect, justice, self-regulation, and democracy are discussed to offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Drawing on the constructivist theory and the works of prominent theorists such as Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and George Lind, this chapter seeks to delve into the concept of moral competence and its practical application in institutions that cater to children and adolescents who are victims of violence. It also provides suggestions and possibilities for interventions that promote the ongoing training of professionals working in this field.