Why institutional care is harmful? Why Parental/Kinship/foster Care is better?

In the past, people thought institutional care was the best way to help individuals with different needs. But now, we know it can be harmful in many ways.

Firstly, institutions often can't give each person the special care they need. They treat everyone the same, which isn't right. On the other hand, when kids or individuals are with families or foster parents, they get personal attention that suits them best.

In institutions, there's often a lack of emotional connection between caregivers and residents. This can leave people feeling lonely and sad. But in family or foster care, there's more love and closeness, which is super important for someone's happiness and growth.

Living in an institution can also hold back a person's development. There's not enough chance to learn and grow in social, mental, and emotional ways. But being with families or foster parents provides a better environment for learning and being yourself.

Sadly, there's a higher risk of abuse and neglect in institutions because there are so many people to take care of, and sometimes not enough supervision. But families or foster care usually have fewer kids to take care of, and they're carefully chosen and trained to keep children safe.

In institutions, individuals can feel like they've lost their identity and connection to their culture and community. But with families or foster care, they can keep their cultural roots alive and feel like they belong somewhere.

Research also shows that people who spend a long time in institutions can have lasting mental health issues. But being with families or foster parents who offer stable and loving relationships can help them be more resilient and happy.

Finally, when it's time to become independent, families or foster care often do a better job of preparing individuals. They offer guidance, teach life skills, and provide support for the transition to adulthood.

In conclusion, while institutions used to be the norm, families or foster care are now seen as better options. They provide a more caring, personalized, and supportive environment for individuals to grow, thrive, and feel like they belong.