| Summary: | The goal of this study was to examine the perception of social and emotional support network in institutionalized
adolescents, considering the changes on relationships caused by the situation of institutionalization. The
participants were 35 adolescents of both sexes, with age from 11 to 16 years. Five Field Map, which allows
evaluating structure and function of the support network, and semi-structured interviews were used. The
results indicate that the principal source of support was represented by adults, mainly relatives and shelters
employees, and the principal type of percepted support was instrumental. Sex differences on the perception of
support network also were observed: girls reported more contacts than boys. Therefore, the importance of the
family and the shelter as suppliers of support to these adolescents and the need of public policies of care for this population are discussed.
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