This study was carried out in order to investigate the institutions in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro that are attended by children and adolescents under age 12. The data was collected during the period from March to June 2003. The scope of inquiry included 69 homes that care for children and adolescents from 0 to 11 years of age. In the homes studied, there proved to be a total of 1,983 children and adolescents. The study investigated reasons for being taken into care, length of care, condition of the family relationship (for children in care), religious orientation, and financial support of the institutions. This project was carried out with the intention of reorganizing the homes and contributing to the improvement of care of children and adolescents in a situation of risk.
