Rev. Dr. George P.S. Awarded Ph.D. for Research on Child Care in India

Rev. Dr. George P.S. has been awarded a Ph.D. for his research titled “A Comparative Study of the Psychological Well-being, Behaviour and Academic Performance of Children Living in Institutions and Foster Care Families in the Selected Southern States of India.”

The study compares the developmental outcomes of children living in foster care families and child care institutions across selected southern states of India. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research found that children in foster care generally experience better psychological wellbeing, healthier behavioural patterns, stronger academic performance, and improved social adjustment than those in institutional care. The findings highlight the importance of family-based care in promoting the holistic development of children.

Drawing on more than 15 years of experience working with children in Child Care Institutions, Rev. Dr. George P.S. brings valuable practical insights to the research. His study emphasizes that while institutional care remains essential for children in need of protection, it should be considered a measure of last resort, with greater emphasis placed on strengthening foster care and other family-based alternatives.

As one of the few comprehensive studies of its kind in India, the research is expected to contribute to child welfare policy, encourage wider acceptance of alternative care, and support the development of stronger family and community-based care systems in the best interests of every child.