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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM63561
Volume:
10 |
5 |
May 2026
Pages:
1-7
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
Child protection services play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable children who are exposed to abuse, neglect, abandonment, poverty, and social exclusion. Two major alternative care systems widely adopted across the world are foster care and institutional care. This research paper presents a comparative study of foster care and institutional care in terms of psychological development, emotional well-being, education, social adjustment, safety, and long-term rehabilitation of children. The paper highlights international and Indian perspectives, supported by statistical evidence, legal frameworks, and empirical findings. Studies indicate that children raised in family-based foster care generally demonstrate better emotional stability, cognitive development, and social integration compared to children residing in institutional settings. However, foster care systems also face challenges such as placement instability, inadequate monitoring, and shortage of trained foster parents. The paper concludes that while institutional care may provide temporary protection, family-based foster care is comparatively more effective for holistic child development and long-term welfare.
KEYWORDS
The comparative study demonstrates that foster care is generally more beneficial than institutional care in promoting emotional security, psychological development, and social integration among vulnerable children. Institutional care may provide immediate shelter and protection but often fails to replicate the nurturing environment essential for holistic child development. Modern child welfare systems increasingly recognize that children thrive best in stable family environments. Therefore, governments and child protection agencies should prioritize foster care, kinship care, and family-based rehabilitation models while minimizing unnecessary institutionalization. A balanced child protection framework combining legal safeguards, professional monitoring, mental health services, and community participation is essential for ensuring the rights, dignity, and future well-being of children.
1. Johnson, R., Browne, K., & Hamilton-Giachritsis, C. (2006). Young Children in Institutional Care at Risk of Harm. Trauma Violence Abuse. 2. UNICEF. Alternative Care for Children Guidelines. 3. World Health Organization Reports on Child Development. 4. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, India. 5. Ismayilova, L., Claypool, E., & Heidorn, E. (2023). Trauma of Separation: The Social and Emotional Impact of Institutionalization on Children. BMC Public Health. 6. Van IJzendoorn, M. et al. (2011). Children in Institutional Care: Delayed Development and Resilience. 7. Krishnaswami, U., & Kuttappan, S. (2019). Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children under Institutional Care in Tamil Nadu. 8. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Reports. 9. Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Government of India. 10. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Publication Date
5/20/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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