The emergence of COVID-19, followed by the subsequent lockdowns, is the reason why childcare practitioners, across the globe, are predicting an increase in the number of children requiring assistance for their care and protection. To fulfil those needs, increasing institutionalization of children is also expected. However, in the given circumstances, it is essential to bring in the findings of previous researches, establishing the fact that growing up in institutions causes long-term damages to the social, psychological and developmental wellbeing of children. This paper attempts to contextualize these aspects by underscoring the need for family-based alternatives and describing the existing situation of South Asia.

Transitioning from institutional care to independent living is a complex process for orphan care leavers. Most of them struggle to adapt to independent living for longer periods after leaving institutional care. This study describes those challenges in the Indian context. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 orphan care leavers to explore their experiences and perceptions of independent living. Findings showed that orphan care leavers perceive independent living as both opportunity and challenge. Some orphan care leavers felt that after leaving institutional care, they have lived through difficulties at their workplace: while finding accommodation, in household management, and establishing their official identity. However, data suggest that even in adverse circumstances, these orphan young adults have kept hope and have positive aspirations about their lives with a very strong informal network of care leavers as their main source of support. But overall, it was confirmed that social exclusion based on personal and care background is persistent among the orphan care leavers. Therefore, for promoting a better independent living experience initiating changes in the approach to work with care leavers is recommended.

The purpose of this paper is to explore Indian orphaned young people’s perspectives on leaving care. To accomplish this, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with 13 Indian youth with significant care experience in institutional and residential arrangements. The understanding of care leaving presented here is based on retrospective insights that young people with care experience shared regarding their experiences of leaving care. The results included four themes: ‘miscommunication about care leaving’, ‘an undesirable ending’, ‘limited knowledge about new life’ and ‘key factors for a better transition’. The findings imply that care leaving should be an extended process, not an event. Thus, a dedicated program focusing on care leaving is required. Also, allowing young people to participate in transition planning is essential and can be best ensured with effective communication and carefully formulated care plans. Further, access to extended support in the form of comprehensive and compulsory ‘aftercare’ services is suggested for achieving better outcomes for young people with care experience.