Institutional Care and Its Adverse Effects on Children in Need of Care and Protection

This article critically examines the role and impact of institutional care on children in need of care and protection in India. Despite global advocacy for family- and community-based alternatives, institutional care continues to dominate the Indian child protection landscape due to structural gaps, lack of awareness, and limited support systems. The article categorizes the different types of institutions catering to children and adolescents and explores the socio- economic, legal, and systemic factors contributing to the reliance on institutionalization. While acknowledging the constitutional and legal safeguards meant to ensure child welfare, the paper highlights the disconnect between policy and practice. Drawing from a social work perspective, it delves into the psychosocial challenges faced by institutionalized adolescents, including emotional deprivation, developmental delays, and lack of social integration. The article underscores the need for preventive, rights-based, and community-oriented responses, urging a shift away from institutional models toward more nurturing and rehabilitative care environments for vulnerable children.