Mental Health Perceived Social Support and Locus of Control among Children in Child Care Institutions

Abstract

Children are the most important assets of our country. Their wellbeing is very important for our national development. As per Census 2011, India s Child population is newline1.2 billion. International children charity (2020) identified that 20 million of India s population are orphans. Many children living with a lack of stable family and shelter. The vulnerable groups of children include orphans, runaway children, abused and exploited children, substance abused children, HIV AIDS-affected children, Children who are faced natural calamities and disasters, children from the street and disabled children. The children in need of care of protection face a lot of problems. These children are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse than adults to the conditions. newlineArticle 45 of the Indian constitution (1950) states that the state shall provide childhood care and education for all children. According to the United Nations Convention on the Right of Child (UNCRC-1989), every child has the right to survival, right to development, right to protection and right to participation. Vulnerable children don t fulfil their rights. It is the responsibility of our nation to protect these children in need of care and protection. Child protection is about protecting children from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, harmful situations, social, psychological and emotional insecurity and distress. The juvenile justice act 2006 have been addressed about children in need of care and protection. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 mentioned that the childcare institutions are providing children with proper care, protection and treatment and fulfilling their developmental needs, and rehabilitation in the best interest of children. For the protection of vulnerable children an alternative care system, child care institution has been introduced by Government and non-governmental organisations in Kerala, India. The state government established the children s home for the development of a child in need of care...