Voices, vulnerabilities and care experiences of girls in residential child care institutions: a case study of Vizianagaram City, Andhra Pradesh

In the present social context, girl children in residential care settings represent a particularly vulnerable group whose voices and everyday realities often remain unnoticed. They deserve focused attention to ensure their well-being, dignity, and healthy development at their growing age. This study attempts to listen and present those voices of young girls residing in government residential care institutions through case studies. The study has included girl children between the ages of 6 and 10 years living in 3 government children’s homes in Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh. Researcher used qualitative case study approach to understand their family situations, reasons for admission, daily life experiences, emotional needs, and feelings of safety within the institutions. The findings indicate that most of the girls were placed in residential care is mainly due to financial instability at the family level, where parents or guardians were unable to provide consistent care, education, and basic necessities. Many families viewed this government institutional care as a supportive option so that they could offer their children a safer environment and better educational opportunities. While the residential homes have fulfilled to address the physical, educational, and emotional needs of the girls while also offering personal care and attention. Thus the study highlights the importance of ensuring safety and dignity for the girl child in inclusive care environments. The study also suggests social work based practices are recommended to strengthen psychosocial support, promote child participation, and improve the overall quality of care in government residential care settings.