📄 Abstract
Child Care Homes (CCHs) provide residential care and support to children who, for different reasons, cannot remain safely within their families. This qualitative study looks at the services available in five registered Child Care Homes in East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, the difficulties faced in maintaining those services, and the changes that participants felt were needed. Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews with five persons in charge and three Focus Group Discussions involving 15 staff members (five from each of three Child Care Homes). The material was analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke (2006). Participants described support in several areas, including routine and emergency health care, nutrition, schooling, counselling, recreation, vocational exposure and children's participation in activities and committees. The homes also relied on hospitals, health facilities, educational institutions, churches, community organisations and other agencies. These services, however, were not free from practical constraints. Financial limitations affected education, health emergencies, infrastructure and activities, while staff shortages, workload, inadequate remuneration and limited role-specific training created additional pressure. Participants were particularly concerned about what happens when young people leave residential care, especially when further education, family reintegration or independent living requires continued support. The study points to the need for more predictable financial support, stronger staff development, better access to health services and a more organised approach to transition and aftercare. It also highlights the value of working relationships between CCHs, government agencies, families, communities and other service providers. The findings suggest that the quality of care experienced inside a home is closely connected to the support available around it.
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📚 How to Cite:
Dr. Rituparna Rajendra, Melisa Kharbyngar , Allanson Wahlang , A STUDY ON CHILD CARE SERVICES THROUGH CHILD CARE HOMES IN EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT, MEGHALAYA , Volume 11 , Issue 10, October 2026, EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD) , Pages: 36 - 43 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra29137