| Abstract: | Orphan care in India has a long history which undergone significant changes from traditional community-based support systems to formal institutional. Historically, the care and protection of orphaned and vulnerable children were cared for by extended families, local communities and religious institution. Over time, various child care institutions, orphanages and welfare organisations emerged across the country. The Government of India has introduced several legal and policy frameworks the rights and welfare of orphaned children. Several initiatives such as Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Integrated Child Protection Scheme which strengthened child protection systems and promoted family-based care, foster care and adoption. Despite these, challenges such as inadequate resources, overcrowded institutions, limited monitoring continue to affect the quality of care provided to children. In Manipur, total numbers of 86 home are distributed among: children home (52), open shelter (15), SAA (9), special home PPP model (2), place of safety PPP model (1), observation home (5), children home for trans boy (1), children home for trans girl (1) are there. The paper examines the historical and evolution of child care institutions in India. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and child care institution that prioritizes family-based care, social inclusion and the overall development and protection of orphaned children. |
