Knowledge about child protection system reform and deinstitutionalisation in South Asian countries is scarce. This study explores the legislative frameworks and literature on deinstitutionalisation in eight South Asian countries, to consolidate the knowledge, explore the challenges and propose strategies to overcome the difficulties associated with this reform. South Asia, home to almost 25per cent of the world’s population, or 1.8 billion people (The World Bank, 2019), is culturally complex and requires a variety of solutions to keep all its children safe. This study introduces three strategies that could promote deinstitutionalisation in South Asia: (1) utilising a regional approach, (2) decentralised implementation and (3) capitalising on traditional alternative care practices. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in each country.
Advocating the Rights of Children. (2015). Alternative report: A submission to the committee on the rights of the child on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child. https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CRC/Shared%20Documents/MDV/INT_CRC_NGO_MDV_19705_E.pdf
2.
BajpaiA. (2017). A child’s right to a family: Deinstitutionalization—In the best interest of the child. Journal of National Human Rights Commission, 16, 199–216. http://nhrc.nic.in/sites/default/files/nhrc_journal_2017.pdf
3.
Bangladesh. (2013). The children act, 2013. https://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/sites/unicef.org.bangladesh/files/2018-07/Children%20Act%202013%20English.pdf
4.
Bangladesh. (2014). Fifth periodic reports of states parties due in 2012. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/nhrc_journal_2017.pdf
5.
Better Care Network. (2015). Country care profile: Ghana. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/Country%20Care%20Profile%20-%20Ghana_0.pdf
6.
Better Care Network. (2015). Country care profile: Rwanda. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/Country%20Care%20Profile%20-%20Rwanda_0.pdf
7.
BilsonA.CoxP. (2007) Caring about poverty. Journal of Children and Poverty, 13(1), 37–55. doi:10.1080/10796120601171294.
8.
BoafoF. S.NormanY.Frimpong-MansoK. (2017). Care reform in Ghana: Achievements and challenges. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/1D_GhanaCountryPresentation_Final.pdf
9.
BornarovaS.KunovskaE. (2007). Child care system reform FYR Macedonia country assessment. http://enil.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Child-Care-System-Reform-FYR-Macedonia.pdf
10.
BorooahV. K. (2000). The welfare of children in Central India: Econometric analysis and policy simulation. Oxford Development Studies, 28(3), 263–287. doi:10.1080/136008100750017722.
11.
Childline. (2015, April 13). The national policy for children, 2013. http://dus-nau-aath.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-national-policy-for-children-2013.html
12.
Children’s Hunger Fund. (2017, March). Cambodia’s orphans of poverty. http://childrenshungerfund.org/cambodias-orphans-poverty/
13.
CostaM.GiraldiM. (2014). Deinstitutionalisation and quality alternative care for children in Europe: Lessons learned and the way forward (Working Paper). http://www.openingdoors.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/DI_Lessons_Learned_web_use.pdf
14.
CrensonM. A. (2001). Building the invisible orphanage: A prehistory of the American welfare system. Harvard University Press.
15.
Department of Probation and Child Care Services. (n.d.). The national policy for alternative care of children in Sri Lanka. http://www.probation.gov.lk/documents/downloads/Draft%20Alternative%20Care%20Policy.pdf
16.
DozierM.ZeanahC. H.WallinA. R.ShaufferC. (2012). Institutional care for young children: Review of literature and policy implications. Social Issues Policy Review, 6(1), 1–25. doi:10.1111/j.1751-2409.2011.01033.x.
17.
Dratshang Lhentshog & UNICEF Bhutan. (2017). Child protection programme strategy and action plan for Dratshang Lhentshog. https://www.unicef.org/bhutan/media/346/file/Childprotection strategy and action plan.pdf
18.
DuttaS. (2016). Institutional care in India: Investigating processes for social reintegration. Children & Youth Services Review, 66, 144–153. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.05.010.
19.
EasterlyW.RitzenJ.WoolcockM. (2006). Social cohesion, institutions, and growth. Economics & Politics, 18(2), 103–120.
20.
European Commission. (2007). Deinstitutionalizing and transforming children’s services: A guide to good practice. https://www.crin.org/en/docs/Deinstitutionaliation_Manual_-_Daphne_Prog_et_al.pdf
21.
EvansP. (2013). Evaluation report: Implementation of the national strategy and action plan for the reform of the residential childcare system in Moldova 2007–2012. http://www.socialserviceworkforce.org/system/files/resource/files/Evaluation%20Report%20of%20Residential%20Childcare%20System%20in%20Moldova.pdf
22.
FlagothierC. (2016). Alternative child care and deinstitutionalisation in Asia. https://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/getmedia/1b925bf1-5587-4f7f-976a-92293ddfeb09/Asia-Alternative-Child-Care-and-Deinstitutionalisation-Report.pdf
Forber-PrattI. A.LooS.PriceS.AcharyaJ. (2013). Foster care in India: An exploratory survey of the community perceptions and prospects for implementation of foster care in a developing nation: A study in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Children & Youth Services Review, 35(4), 694–706. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.01.002.
25.
FotsoJ. C.HoldingP. A.EzehA. C. (2009). Factors conveying resilience in the context of urban poverty: the case of orphans and vulnerable children in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 14(4), 175–182.
26.
Frimpong-MansoK. (2014). From walls to homes: Child care reform and deinstitutionalisation in Ghana. International Journal of Social Welfare, 23, 402–409. doi: 10.1111/ijsw.12073.
27.
GaleC.KhatiwadaC. (2016). Alternative child care and deinstitutionalization: A case study of Nepal. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/CELCIS_-_Nepal-towards-right-care-for-children-alternative-care-and-deinstitutionalisation-2017.pdf
28.
GinuD. (2013). Deinstitutionalization-Lumos experience in Moldova: LUMOS Foundation Moldova Deinstitutionalization: The ways forward 14–15. [PPT slides]. https://slideplayer.com/slide/10341753/
29.
Government of Nepal, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare. (2014). Report on the assessment of alternative care in Nepal & Quality care in residential child care homes in 10 study districts. http://www.sosnepal.org.np/getmedia/a5094a97-943d-42ab-a773-58c4d06a20e9/Report-on-the-Assessment-of-Alternative-Care-in-Nepal.pdf
30.
GreenwellF. (2006). The impact of child welfare reform on child abandonment and deinstitutionalization, Romania 1990–2000. Annales de Demographie Historique, 1, 133–157.
31.
GuthA. (2014). Reform steps towards child protection Bulgaria–Romania: A comparative approach. ChildPact. http://www.childpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Reform_steps_Romania-and-Bulgaria.pdf
32.
HaqqaniS.MehmoodA. (2018). Residential care in Pakistan: Evolving practices in Punjab. In IslamT.FulcherL. (eds.), Residential child and youth care in a developing world. Middle East and Asia Perspectives 3. The CYC-Net Press.
33.
HeibergT. (2010). Stepping up child protection: An assessment of child protection systems from all countries in South Asia, including reflections from Central Asia. Kathmandu: Save the children Sweden regional office for south and central Asia. https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/library/stepping-child-protection-assessment-child-protection-systems-all-countries-south-asia
34.
HuseynliA. (2018). Implementation of deinstitutionalization of child care institutions in post-soviet countries: The case of Azerbaijan. Child Abuse and Neglect, 26, 160–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.10.020
35.
Innocenti Research Centre. (2003). Children in institutions: the beginning of the end? The cases of Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight8e.pdf
36.
MuryangoI. M. (2015). Pride for the family: stories of successful reintegration in Rwanda. https://www.globalcommunities.org/publications/2016-Rwanda-IMM.pdf
37.
IsmayilovaL.SsewamalaF.HuseynliI. (2014). Reforming child institutional care in the Post-Soviet bloc: The potential role of family-based empowerment strategies. Children and Youth Services Review, 47, 136–148.
38.
JonesM. B. (1993). Decline of the American Orphanage: 1941–1980. Social Service Review, 67(3), 459–480. doi:10.1086/603999.
39.
KatzI.ConnollyM.BlundenH.BatesS.HillT. (2018). Review of child protection systems in four countries in South Asia. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/rosa/reports/review-child-protection-systems
40.
KeeferP. (2004). What does political economy tell us about economic development- and vice versa. Annual Review of Political Science, 7(1). doi: 10.1146/annurev.polisci.7.012003.104846.
41.
Kingdom of Cambodia. (2008). Minimum standards on alternative care for children. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/Minimum%20Standards%20on%20Alternative%20Care%20for%20Children%20Cambodia.pdf
42.
KuehrM. E. (2015). Rwanda’s orphans—Care and integration during uncertain times. Stability: International Journal of Security and Development, 4(1), 20. doi: http://doi.org/10.5334/sta.fg.
43.
LUMOS Foundation. (2009). Evaluation of situation and needs in child protection at local level(Unpublished data). LUMOS Foundation.
44.
MalanciucI. (2015). Lumos model for deinstitutionalisation: Improving the lives of marginalised children. Presentation to the Forum on Investing in Young Children Globally. Prague, Czech Republic.
45.
MarakovaG.ManolovaH.HristovaM. (2017). Child welfare reform in Bulgaria—From institutional to family-based community care: Engaging with families, children and colleagues. Journal of Intellectual Disability—Diagnosis and Treatment, 5, 130–136. doi: 10.6000/2292-2598.2017.05.04.5.
46.
McArthurD. (2011). 10 steps forward to deinstitutionalization. https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/node/4613/pdf/4613.pdf
47.
McCallR. B.GroarkC. J. (2015). Research on institutionalized children: Implications for international child welfare practitioners and policymakers. International Perspectives in Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation, 4(2), 142–159. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ipp0000033
48.
EducationMinistry ofAzerbaijan.Republic of (2010). Deinstitutionalization and children protection. https://edu.gov.az/en/page/400
MulheirG.BrowneK.DarabusS.MiscaG.PopD. M.WilsonB. (2004). Deinstitutionalisation of children’s services in Romania: A good practice guide. http://www.ceecis.org/ccc/publications/Deintitutionalization_of_childrens_services_in_Romania_2004_ENG.pdf
51.
NaazS.MeenaiZ. (2019). Alternative care in India: Issues and prospects. Rajagiri Journal of Social Development, 11(1), 3–18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333666554_Alternative_Care_in_India_Issues_and_Prospects
52.
National Charter for Children. (2013). National health portal of India. (n.d.). https://www.nhp.gov.in/national-charter-for-children-2013_pg
53.
National Child Protection Authority. (2020). Child related acts / laws / guidelines / studies. http://www.childprotection.gov.lk/?page_id=2211
54.
National Commission for Children. (2012). Cabinet brief: Strategy for national child care reform. http://ncc.gov.rw/fileadmin/templates/document/strategy_for_national_child_care_reform_1_pdf
55.
NsabimanaE. (2016). The process of institutionalization-deinstitutionalization and children’s psychological adjustment in Rwanda: Parents matter. https://doc.rero.ch/record/277623/files/NsabimanaE.pdf
56.
Office of the Cabinet of Ministers. (2019). Introducing an alternative care policy for children in Sri Lanka. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.lk/cab/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=49&lang=en&dID=9577
57.
Opening Doors for Europe’s Children. Ending institutional care in Europe. https://www.openingdoors.eu/institutional-care-in-europe/ending-institutional-care-in-europe/
58.
OttE.Bakermans-KranenburgM. J.Lim Ah KenP.Songua-BarkeE.ChristopoulosA.GoldmanP. S.DuchinskyR.IbrahimR. W.AgastyaN. L. P. M.CuthbertC.GrigorasS.FoxN. A.GunnarM.BradfordB. (2020). The institutionalisation and deinstitutionalisation of children II: Policy and practice recommendations for global, national and local actors. Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.
59.
PathiranaS. (2010). Sri Lanka’s last tsunami orphans. BBC Sinhala Service. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12065873.
60.
PetkovaT. (2015). Child care system reform in Bulgaria. http://reciprocamente.eurosocial-ii.eu/assets/child-care-system-reform-in-bulgaria.pdf
61.
Save the Children. (2009). Save the children international annual review 2009. https://www.savethechildren.net/sites/default/files/libraries/annualrep_2009.pdf
62.
StănculescuM. S.GrigorașV.MarinM.Iamandi-CioinaruC.TeșliucE.BlajG.CoradB.PopV.TroceaA. (2017). Romania children in public care 2014. https://www.unicef.org/romania/Romania_Children_in_Public_Care_2014.pdf
63.
TerzievV.ArabskaE. (2016). The process of deinstitutionalization of children at risk in Bulgaria. Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, 233, 287–291. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.130.
64.
TharaR.PadmavatiR. (2013). Community mental health care in South Asia. World Psychiatry, 12(2), 176–177.
65.
ThathapudiH. P.Forber-PrattI. A.BakerJ.BelciugC. (2019). Success and challenges in recruiting and retaining caregivers for children with disabilities in India. Institutionalized Children Explorations and Beyond, 6(2), 151–159. doi: 10.5958/2349-3011.2019.00016.1.
66.
The Faith to Action Initiative. (2016). Transitioning to family care for children: A guidance manual. https://www.faithtoaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Transitioning-Care-Guidance-Manual.pdf
67.
The World Bank. (2019). South Asia data bank including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, And Sri Lanka. https://data.worldbank.org/region/south-asia
68.
TobisD. (2000). Moving from residential institutions to community-based social services in central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DISABILITY/Resources/280658-1172671461088/MovingFromResTobis.pdf
69.
General AssemblyUN (2010). Guidelines for the alternative care of children: Resolution / adopted by the General Assembly, A/RES/64/142. https://www.refworld.org/docid/4c3acd162.html
70.
UNICEF. (2008). Azerbaijan child protection and deinstitutionalization. https://www.unicef.org/azerbaijan/protection_10026.html
71.
UNICEF. (2014). Deinstitutionalisation of children in Bulgaria- how far and whereto. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/attachments/Deinstitutionalization%20of%20Children%20in%20Bulgaria.pdf
72.
UNICEF. (2015). FACT SHEET: A summary of the rights under the convention on the rights of the child. http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2016a). Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of Maldives. https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC/C/MDV/CO/4-5&Lang=En
82.
United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2016b). Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of Pakistan. https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC/C/PAK/CO/5&Lang=En
83.
USAID. (2015). Promoting family-based care in Cambodia: Evaluation of childcare reform projects. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/USAID_World%20Learning_Evaluation%20of%20Childcare%20Reform%20Projects.pdf
84.
Westwater International Partnerships. (2003). Children deprived of parental care in Afghanistan - Whose responsibility?https://bettercarenetwork.org/library/social-welfare-systems/child-care-and-protection-policies/children-deprived-of-parental-care-in-afghanistan-whose-responsibility
85.
ZaharievB.BogdanovG. (2015). Challenges facing deinstitutionalization of children in Bulgaria. European Social Policy Network. ec.europa.eu/social
