Resilience and Social-emotional Well-being in Institutional Childcare: The Case of TARA Girls’ Home, Delhi

This study explores social-emotional health and resilience in adolescent girls at the Transitional and Residential Accommodation (TARA) Girls’ Home in Delhi, where positive relationships between children and caregivers foster emotional health, self-esteem and resilience. In interviewing qualitatively with 10 residents, the study identifies patterns of sisterhood, recovery from traumatic stress, confidence, trust and positive behavioural management. Findings elucidate the transformational value of secure attachment and trauma-informed care in satisfying needs for love and belonging in girls, and offer productive guidance for policymakers and practitioners in creating supportive, multi-dimensional environments in institutional care.