Contested Constructions of Care and Vulnerability: Status of Disabled Children in Child Care Institutions in West Bengal

Abstract

A Government of India report that reviewed child care institutions (CCIs) in India in 2018 stated that children living in CCIs are subject to multiple restrictions which hinder access to the services and support required to meet essential human needs. This study evaluates three CCIs in West Bengal to understand the constructions of care and also the different interventions undertaken on the development of persons with disabilities and the extent to which they are able to access a standard quality of life and participate in the larger society. Through qualitative analysis of institutional structures, policy frameworks, and caregiver-child interactions, the research highlights how notions of “care,” “protection,” and “vulnerability” are constructed leading to systemic inequalities and marginalization. The findings reveal a complex interplay between institutional policies, resource constraints, and societal attitudes, which collectively shape the lived experiences of these children. Despite robust bureaucratic structures, the implementation of policies often falls short due to inadequate training of caregivers, limited resources, and pervasive stigmatization of disability. This results in varied and sometimes contradictory approaches to care, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of disabled children.