BRIDGING THE CARE GAP: AN EXPLORATORY CONTEXT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AI IN THE LIVES OF ORPHANAGE CHILDRENS.

The present study examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing care gaps in orphanage settings, with a focus on the emotional, educational, and psychological needs of children. Despite ongoing efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations, orphanages continue to face structural challenges such as limited resources, high child-to-caregiver ratios, and lack of specialized support, leading to gaps in holistic child development. A qualitative and exploratory research approach was adopted. Primary data were collected through observation and personal interviews with children and caregivers, supported by secondary sources including journals, articles, and media reports. The study sample comprises 130 orphanage children from Dakshin Dinajpur District, West Bengal. Findings reveal significant deficiencies in emotional bonding, personalized learning opportunities, and continuous psychological care. The study highlights the potential of AI to address these issues through personalized care systems, adaptive learning platforms, and behavioral monitoring tools. Such interventions can enhance individualized attention, improve academic outcomes, and facilitate early identification of psychological concerns. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, lack of technical expertise, and the digital divide remain major barriers, particularly in resource-limited settings. Ethical concerns, including data privacy, informed consent, algorithmic bias, and reduced human interaction, are critically examined. The study proposes a child-centered framework emphasizing ethical safeguards, inclusivity, and human-AI collaboration. Overall, while AI offers transformative possibilities, its implementation must remain cautious and context-sensitive to ensure it complements human care and improves the well-being of orphanage children.